Physics of Life: Welcome

Welcome to the Physics of Life Network (PoLNET), a UK-based, community-driven network of scientists from the physical and life sciences.
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Founded in 2012, PoLNET has grown through three phases: PoLNET1 (2012–2016), PoLNET2 (2017–2020), and PoLNET3 (2020–2025) - hosting workshops, conferences, summer schools, and delivering funding initiatives (such as pump priming, student bursaries and PDRA calls).
During PoLNET2, the network played a key role in facilitating the Physics of Life SPF call, which delivered over £33m to UK-wide research projects.
During PoLNET3, PoLNET expanded its focus to engage clinical and medical communities through a dedicated new arm, Physics of Medicine (2020–2023), while continuing to deliver traditional activities and support early-career researchers through a PDRA call and the delivery of the latest Physics of Life Roadmap.

With a focus on inclusivity and interdisciplinary collaboration, PoLNET now connects over 2,000 researchers across the UK and internationally.
We are thrilled to announce that EPSRC has approved funding for the next phase, PoLNET4 (October 2025–2028), which will continue to help drive pioneering research at the interface of physics and life sciences.

Our Funders

  • PoLNET1 and PoLNET2 were supported by EPSRC and BBSRC.
  • PoLNET3 is funded by the UKRI Physics of Life Strategic Priority Fund, led by EPSRC, BBSRC, and MRC (Standard Grant: EP/T022000/1). Additional support from Wellcome co-funded the PDRA Call and the Physics of Life Roadmap during Phase 3.
  • Physics of Medicine: Building a network at the interface between medicine and the physical sciences (Grant: PGS19-2/10092) was supported by the Rosetrees Trust.

Our aims

Our network aims to unite researchers from the life and physical sciences to address the challenge of integrating knowledge across scales, from single-molecule dynamics to systems-level biology. 

Network Management

The Physics of Life Network is currently led by PI Mark Leake (University of York) and network manager Karis Baker (University of York). The Physics of Medicine arm is led by PI Steve Smye (University of Leeds) and manager Karis Baker (University of York).

PoLNET is also governed and advised by steering group members from a broad range of research disciplines and UK based institutions.  

How to get involved

There are many ways to get involved with the Physics of Life community. The community is OPEN and available for everyone to join!
You can get involved in the following ways:

Connect with Us! 

Funded by:                                                                                                 Managed bY: