Physics of Life MSc Sandpit

​8-9 September, 2026
​Durham University, Waterside Building

Event Overview

The UK has a growing but fragmented landscape of MSc-level teaching in Biophysics and Physics of Life, with programmes often embedded within physics, biology, engineering or interdisciplinary courses. While this diversity is valuable, there is currently no nationally coordinated framework for aligning core content, sharing best practice or strengthening progression into interdisciplinary doctoral training.
This interactive sandpit will explore the feasibility and value of developing a nationally coordinated, PoLNET-accredited MSc framework in Biophysics / Physics of Life, delivered locally by participating institutions.
The aim is to develop a federated model that builds on existing provision while establishing shared standards, core Physics-of-Life content and learning outcomes.
The event will bring together researchers, educators and programme leaders from across the physical and life sciences. Through structured discussions, breakout sessions and case studies, participants will consider what a national framework could look like and how it could best support students and institutions.

Key Questions

The sandpit will explore:

• What MSc-level Biophysics/Physics of Life provision currently exists across the UK?
• Is there community appetite for a nationally coordinated, PoLNET-accredited MSc framework?
• What should the core Physics-of-Life content and learning outcomes be?
• Should PoLNET accreditation apply to core components, individual modules or whole programmes?
• How could the Physics of Life Roadmap inform the curriculum?
• What regulatory and practical considerations would need to be addressed?
• How could a national framework strengthen progression into PhD training and future CDT-type initiatives?

What will the sandpit produce? 

The sandpit aims to develop:

• A mapped overview of UK MSc-level Biophysics / Physics of Life provision
• A community-informed assessment of the feasibility and appetite for a national framework
• One or more prototype MSc syllabi
• Agreed principles and potential models for PoLNET accreditation
• Plans for publishable Biophysics education outputs
• A short report to share with the wider PoLNET community
• A cross-institutional working group to take forward the next steps through a PoLNET Workshop​ 

How will the sandpit work? 

The sandpit will be highly interactive and will include:
Online preparation
An online meeting will take place at least one month before the event to begin mapping existing MSc-level Biophysics / Physics of Life provision across the UK and identify relevant national and international models.
Speed-dating introductions
The sandpit will begin with a structured introduction exercise to help participants get to know each other, their institutions and existing provision.
Scene-setting talks
Short presentations will provide examples and case studies from colleagues with experience of developing and delivering interdisciplinary MSc curricula.
Breakout discussions
Participants will work in smaller groups to explore curriculum content, learning outcomes, accreditation, delivery models and potential education outputs.
Plenary synthesis
The groups will come together to discuss their findings, identify areas of consensus and agree potential next steps.
Engagement Across Physical and Life SciencesThe sandpit will bring together physical scientists, life scientists and educators, creating opportunities for cross-disciplinary collaboration and sharing of best practice.
The event will also take place alongside an ECR workshop, providing additional opportunities for cross-career and cross-disciplinary engagement.

​Who should attend?

This is a small-group, interactive discussion aimed primarily at those involved in developing, delivering or supporting MSc-level education in Biophysics, Physics of Life and related interdisciplinary subjects.
We also welcome colleagues with relevant expertise in curriculum design, accreditation, teaching and learning, postgraduate education and doctoral training.

​Interested in joining?
Places are limited, but colleagues are welcome to join selected sessions where relevant. Please contact Paolo Annibale at [email protected] or Mark Leake at [email protected] if you would like to attend. Our funding for this event, covers costs for attendees to join this sandpit. 

Provisional Programme

This event will run from lunchtime on 8 September until 16:00 on 9 September 2026. Alongside the main programme, social events, including a conference dinner at Durham Castle, and plenty of networking breaks will provide opportunities for participants and course deliverers to meet, exchange ideas and connect in an informal setting. The sandpit will also run alongside a simultaneous PoLNET ECR bootcamp event, giving participants further opportunities to network and engage with Early Career Researchers from across the UK and beyond.

Day 1	Tuesday 8 September, Durham University, Waterside Building
12.30	Arrival & Luncha and Coffee
13.30	Welcome & Opening PolNET Steering Group
13.45	Context, Objectives & Practical Overview Introduction to the two-day sandpit and its aims (hybrid)
14.15	Structured Introductions “Speed-dating” format: institutional contexts and existing provision
15.00	Refreshment Break
15.30	Scene-setting Talks Case studies of MSc-level Biophysics / Physics of Life programmes​
16.30	Plenary Discussion Defining success criteria and key decisions for a national framework
17.30	ECR poster showcase with drinks reception​
19.30	Conference Dinner, combined with ECR bootcamp attendees at Durham Castle ​
From 20.30	Undercroft, Durham Castle bar open to attendees of both events​
Day 2	Wednesday 9 September
9.00	Coffee & Arrival​
9.30	Parallel Breakout Sessions A: Core curriculum & learning outcomes B: Accreditation, regulation & delivery models C: Publishable education outputs
11.00-11.30	Refreshment Break
11.30-12.30	Plenary Reporting from Breakouts Feedback on options and feasibility, with input from the wider community and ECRs
12.30-13.30	Lunch
13.30 -14.30	Plenary Reporting — Continued Further discussion of options, feasibility and next steps (hybrid)
14:30-15.00	Refreshment Break
15:00-15:30	Synthesis & Next Steps Agreeing outputs, forming a cross-institutional working group and identifying next steps
16.00	Close

Venue and Accommodation

The ECR Bootcamp will take place at the Waterside Building, Durham University, located in the heart of Durham City Centre along the banks of the River Wear and just a short walk from Durham Railway Station. 

​Address:
Waterside Building
Riverside Place
Durham, DH1 1SL
United Kingdom

Accommodation will be provided at John Snow College, Durham University. 

• Standard single en-suite rooms
• Full English breakfast included (served between 7.30 and 9 am)
• Check-in: 2:00 PM
• Check-out: 10:00 AM

John Snow College is located at Mount Oswald, approximately 35 minutes' walk from the Waterside Building, 30 minutes from Durham City Centre, or around 10 minutes by taxi. ​Durham City Park & Ride is adjacent to college, there are frequent shuttle buses running between the college and City Centre.

Travelling to Durham

Durham University, Waterside Building

Durham University, John Snow College

By Train
A number of train operators offer direct and regular routes to Durham Railway Station, including London and Edinburgh. Durham is around 3 hours from London, just over 3 hours from Birmingham, 2½ hours from Manchester, 1½ hours from Edinburgh and 45 minutes from York.

By road
Durham city centre is only two miles from the A1(M). Leave the motorway at Junction 62 on the A690 Durham - Sunderland road and follow signs to Durham City Centre.

By air
Durham is 30 minutes' drive from Newcastle International Airport and about 40 minutes from Teesside International Airport. Both have regular domestic and international flights. Durham is linked to Newcastle Airport by rail and metro.

Alternative Nearby Accommodation

Please note, if you do not to book accommodation as part of your registration package, it is strongly recommended you check hotel rates in advance as these can be very expensive at this time of year. 

• Hotel Indigo Durham (Boutique, highly rated, approx. 10 minute walk to Waterside)
• Delta Hotels by Marriott Durham Royal County (Classic, 10 minute walk to Waterside)
• Premier Inn (Walkergate) (Opposite Waterside Building) 
• Radisson BLU Hotel (Modern with river views, opposite waterside building)
• The Kingslodge Inn (10 minute walk from Waterside, near the train station)