Funding Opportunities

‘Physics of Life’ (PoL) is an EPSRC Grand Challenge research theme with the primary goal of uniting leading expertise to foster collaborative research at the intersection of Physics and Biology. The network has been instrumental in enabling the UK research community to initiate and develop innovative projects that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, which are often difficult to achieve through conventional mechanisms.

Supporting Collaborative Research (2019-2024)
Through PoLNET3, the network has supported various funding opportunities during the grant period (2019-2024). These opportunities included:

• Workshops
• Sandpits (grant application support)
• Pump priming
• Student Summer Bursaries

Since 2020, PoLNET3 (UKRI) and Physics of Medicine (Rosetrees) funding have delivered:

• 12 Physics of Life workshops
• 7 Rosetrees Physics of Medicine workshops
• The UK’s first international Biological Physics conference: 'Physics of Life, Harrogate 2023'
• 1 ECR bootcamp
• 36 Student Summer Bursaries
• 3 Pump priming projects
• 2 graduate schools

What’s Next?
In March 2024, we received 1 year additional, one off funding from UKRI (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC) and Wellcome to specifically deliver:

• A Physics of Life Roadmap 
• A Physics of Life PoL PDRA call

Details about these initiatives can be found on the above hyperlinks.
This phase brings changes to our traditionally funded activities, but our commitment to the community remains steadfast.
We continue to send monthly mailing alerts to keep everyone informed about PoLNET activities and new opportunities.

Upcoming Events
We’re excited to collaborate once again with the Biological Physics Group of the IOP, the British Biophysical Society (BBS), the Physics of Living Systems network, and Physics Meets Biology to bring back the 'Physics of Life, Harrogate 2025' conference. 

EDI award
In September 2024, we were delighted to receive one off, 1 year funding  alongside BioImagingUK from BBSRC to specifically ‘Enhance Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion'. With support from the Royal Microscopical Society (RMS), the Institute of Physics (IoP), and other partners, this initiative highlights a collective commitment to tackling underrepresentation by breaking down barriers and fostering more inclusive research communities. This grant success underscores our shared dedication to equity and inclusion in science, aiming to enrich our network communities with diverse perspectives, skills, and expertise. As part of this award in 2025, we have a limited amount of specific funding to support: 
1. Summer studentships for students from low income backgrounds
2. Travel bursaries for people attending workshops or conferences with care giving responsibility
3. Attendance for women to Presentation Skills Training 
​Find out more here. 

Looking Ahead- PoLNET4? 
We are actively pursuing funding for PoLNET4, which will enable continued support for the activities the community values, such as workshops, sandpits, pump priming, and student bursaries. More updates will follow as plans develop, but if we are granted funding, we hope to be in be in a position to advertise opportunities again from April 2025. Stay connected and in the loop by joining our mailing list. 

Need further info?
​Should you require any further advice on funding opportunties, please send an email to [email protected].