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Biophysical Sciences Institute Innovation showcased on the international stage
BSI Director Prof. Ehmke Pohl highlighted the connection between and innovation in a plenary lecture at the Accord Conference in Warsaw (May 2026). The research presented came from work with Nevragenics and Lightox, two Durham University spinouts founded based on BSI funded research.
Innovation on the international stage
Research from two Durham University’s spin-outs was presented in a plenary lecture at the Accord Interdisciplinary Conference on Drug Discovery, held in Warsaw from 27–29 May 2026.
Professor Ehmke Pohl, Director of BSI, delivered the plenary lecture, showcasing research that reflects more than two decades of interdisciplinary collaboration at Durham. Research which was supported in its early stages by Biophysical Sciences Institute seedcorn and Undergraduate Summer Bursary funding and led to the establishment of two successful Durham University spin-out companies.
- LightOx Ltd (founded 2016) – focused on innovative cancer therapies
- Nevragenics Ltd (founded 2019) – dedicated to developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases, including ALS and Alzheimer’s
These spin-outs bring together world leading expertise in organic chemistry, cell biology and biophysics through the long-standing collaborations between Professor Andy Whiting (Chemistry), Professor Carrie Ambler (Biosciences), and Professor Pohl.
The international meeting brought together over 200 researchers from academia and industry, with delegates attending from across Europe, the United States and Australia. The conference aimed to break down traditional boundaries between the physical and biomedical sciences, encouraging powerful interdisciplinary approaches to major challenges in drug discovery.
This opportunity to share BSI innovative research highlights the strength of Durham’s interdisciplinary research environment and our ability to deliver impactful translational science, from fundamental discovery through to real-world application.