Formed in 2007, the Biophysical Sciences Institute is a community of over 150 academics and researchers united by an interdisciplinary approach to the study of the fundamental systems of life. Our collegiate and enthusiastic interdisciplinary community is drawn from across 7 departments and multiple disciplines.
The Biophysical Sciences institute was formed in 2007 by Professors Judith Howard CBE FRS (Durham Chemistry), Martyn Chamberlain FInstP (Durham Physics), Professor Keith Orford (Durham Physics) and and Roy Quinlan (Durham Biosciences) with support from the Wolfson Trust.
The Wolfson investment of £1.5 Million was used to establish the BSI and to convert laboratories on the top floor of the Department of Chemistry into biosciences laboratories. This location built on the enthusiastic Bioactive Chemistry research group in the Department of Chemistry and gave Durham both a physical space for interdisciplinary biosciences research and a network to connect researchers working in this area. Since they were officially opened in 2009 the Wolfson Laboratories have provided a physical focus to the wider BSI community across the University. They have become an exemplar for interdisciplinary research have stimulated further interdisciplinary biophysical research across the Faculty of Science.
In-person events resume post pandemic with the Judith Howard Prize Lecture by Dr Rivka Isaacson (KCl)
First visit from Central St Martins (UAL) staff and students
BSI Early Career Stage Researchers host the ECR Symposium in St Mary’s College
BSI Grant Writing and Mentorship programmes introduced
Animate Materials MSc launched
Professor Ehmke Pohl (Durham Biosciences & Chemistry) appointed Director of the BSI
MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize for the Global Network for Neglected Tropical Disease team
A new cohort of BSI Early Career Stage Researchers host the ECR Symposium at Collingwood College
New Northern Eye - Cryo EM for the North East funding secured by team from Newcastle University, Northumbria and Durham Universities including BSI Director Professor Ehmke Pohl
First BSI Art-Science Exhibitions held: Art Inspired by Science (Durham Botanic Gardens) and Creative Encounters (Ushaw College, Durham)
Nevragenics won Bionow project of the year, recognising their lead programme Ellorarxine™ as one of the most innovative and impactful life sciences projects in the UK.
Physics of Life Summer School 2025 returns to Durham
Clustered BSI Summer Research Bursaries Introduced
Global Network for Neglected Tropical Diseases honoured with Royal Society of Chemistry Prize
Mathematical Approaches to Spatial Biology Symposium Brings International Researchers to Durham
Physics of Life Bootcamp held in Durham
Professor Mark Leake (Durham Physics & Biosciences) appointed Director of the BSI
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