Physics of Life Bootcamp

8-10 September, 2026
​Durham University, Waterside Building

Summer School Overview

The Physics of Life Summer School now in its fifth edition, is an immersive, interdisciplinary program designed for early-career researchers (PhDs up to postdocs) who are interested in the powerful role physics plays in understanding and solving biological problems. Sponsored by the Wellcome Trust and held in partnership with Durham University's Biological Sciences Institute (BSI), the Institute of Physics Biological Physics Group (IoP BPG), and British Biophysical Society (BBS), the program offers a unique opportunity to explore how fundamental physical principles apply across biological systems—from molecules to organisms to disease.

Durham University, Castle College

Program Highlights:

• Cutting-Edge Research Talks
  Learn from leading experts in biological physics through a series of engaging lectures that cover current research topics, including computational modelling, advanced imaging techniques, synthetic biology, and applications in health and disease.
• Interdisciplinary Collaboration
  Work alongside peers from diverse academic backgrounds. The program fosters collaboration and encourages innovative approaches to tackling real-world biological challenges.
• Career Development & Science Communication
  Gain valuable insights into scientific career pathways within academia, industry, and beyond. Dedicated sessions on science communication and professional development ensure you're equipped with the tools to succeed in interdisciplinary research careers.
• Networking Opportunities
  Build lasting connections through structured networking events, including a formal conference dinner that encourages informal interactions between participants, faculty, and guest speakers.

This summer school not only deepens scientific understanding but also prepares participants to become future leaders at the interface of physics and biology. Whether you're drawn to fundamental research or translational applications, the Physics of Life Summer School will empower you with the knowledge, skills, and connections to make a meaningful impact.​

Programme

This event will run from 8-10 September 2026 (starting Tuesday morning at 10.30 am and finishing on Wednesday early eve by approx. 4pm). Social events (including a conference dinner at Durham Castle) and plenty of networking breaks will allow participants and course deliverers to network, meet and interact in an informal setting. 

Day 1	Monday 8 September
From 9.30	​Registration with Tea and Coffee ​(PCL054, Palatine Centre, Durham University)
10.30-10.45	Opening Address: Welcome to the Physics of Life Introduction to the event with schedule overview
10.45-11.15	Interactive Ice Breakers
11.45-12.35	Flash Talks (Part 1) – 4 mins each, 2 slides max. (14 Flashes)
12.35-13.30	Lunch
13.30-14.30	Flash Talks (Part 2) - 4 mins each, 2 slides max. (15 Flashes)
14.30-16.00	Choice of workshop: ​Workshop one: Crafting Scientific Narratives – Abstract Writing & Communication Led by Mark Wallace (KCL), Mark Leake (University of York) Workshop Two: Inside the Funder's Mind: Tips on Grants, Fellowships and Making Your Application Stand Out Led by Atlanta Cook (University of Edinburgh) and Sarah Lloyd (Wellcome)
16.00-18.00	Poster Showcase (Groups 1 and 2)  ​
19.00	Dinner at Hatfield Servery
From 19.30	Informal Social: Hatfield College Bar
Day 2	Tuesday 9 September
9.00-11.00	Session 1: Computational Frontiers in Biological Physics Daniel Cole (Newcastle University): 'Physics based molecular modelling and computer-aided drug design' Michelle Sahai (Brunel University) 'Binding Matters: AI-Driven Predictive Insights for Drug Discovery'
11.00-11.30	Networking Refreshments
11.30-12.00	Career Journey Showcase: Talk 2: Adam Wollman (Newcastle University) 'Behind the Bench – Building a Career in Interdisciplinary Science'
12.00-13.00	Lunch
13.00-15.00	Session 2: Patterns of Life – Differentiation & Development Ana Hernandez (University of Cambridge)  'Shaping the embryo: Measuring and manipulating the mechanical properties of chicken embryos' Veronica Biga (University of Manchester)  'Oscillatory gene expression dynamics important for neural development'
15.00-15.30	Refreshment Break
15.30-17.30	Session 3: Molecular Machines – Physics at the Nanoscale​ David Rueda (Imperial) 'Coming Full Circle: How DNA Topology Shapes Cas9 Specificity' Seamus Holden (Warwick) ' 'How do you build a wall? Investigating the mechanistic principles of bacterial cell wall remodelling using single molecule tracking and super-resolution microscopy'
18.45	Group Photo​
19.00	Conference Dinner at Castle College
Day 3​	Wednesday 10 September
9.00-11.00	Session 4: Engineering Life – Synthetic Biology & Programmable Matter Jonathan Heddle (University of Durham) ' ​'Programming Dynamism into artificial biological nanomachines' Aline Miller (University of Manchester) 'From Evolution to Innovation: Designing Biomaterials for Regenerative Medicine'
11.00-11.30	Refreshments
11.30-13.00	Workshop:  'Working across disciplines: No Such Thing as a Stupid Question' Led by Mark Leake (University of York) and Rivka Isaacson (KCL)
13.00-14.00	​​Lunch
14.00-14.30	Career Journey Showcase:  Jamieson Howard (University of York) ​'Beyond the Bench – Building a Career in Interdisciplinary Science'
14.30-16.30	Session 5: Physics Meets Medicine – Health & Disease Ioanna Mela (University of Cambridge) ' 'DNA Nanotech for Precision Drug Delivery' Laurence Wilson (University of York) ' ​AI & Holography – Tracking Microbial Worlds in 3D'
16.30	Free time with optional sign up to football, running group, cathedral visit ​
19.00	Servery Dinner at Castle College ​
20.00	Social activity TBC
Day 4	Thursday 11 September
9.00-11.00	Session 6: Seeing Life in Motion – Imaging Across Scales Kirti Prakash (TU Delft)  'Super-resolution microscopy for structural biology' Kurt Anderson (Francis Crick Institute)
11.00-11.30	Refreshment Break
11.30-12.30	Rivka Isaacson (KCL) ​'Science Showcase! Boost your scientific impact; engaging with media, press and public'
12.30-13.30	Lunch
13.30-15.30	Session 9: Forces Within – Mechanobiology, Nuclear Mechanics & DNA Repair  Amy Beedle (KCL) 'The reversibility of nuclear mechanotransduction' Chris Toseland (University of Sheffield) 'Nuclear mechanobiology during DNA damage and repair'
15.30 ​	Summer School Close
16.00	End

​Who should attend?

The school is aimed at early career scientists  – particularly PhD students and post doctorates. Participants are expected to hold a basic knowledge of Biology and/or Physics. 

European and International attendees are welcome to attend this winter school. The closest airport to Durham is Newcastle International (approximately 40 minutes from Durham by train or taxi). 

Venue and accommodation

The ECR bootcamp will take place at Durham University within the Waterside Building.

Standard single college rooms with en-suites and full English breakfast can be booked as part of the registration packages and are provided at John Snow College. Check in is from 2pm and check out from 10am. For location information, see Maps and directions. 

Durham University, Palatine Centre

Durham University, Hatfield College

Event Funding and Registration Details

The ECR bootcamp event is generously supported by the Physics of Life Network via EPSRC funding, with additional sponsorship from Durham University's BSI and the UK Condensates Network.

​This support allows us to heavily subsidise each attendee’s place, keeping the registration fee low while providing a rich programme tailored to early career researchers. 

Registration Packages
Package 1 – £150

• 2 nights’ accommodation at John Snow College
  (Check-in: Tuesday 8 September | Check-out: Wednesday 9 September)
• Full English breakfasts
• Daily lunches and servery hot dinners
• All social activities
• 3-course Summer School dinner at Durham Castle

Package 2 – £200

• Includes everything in Package 1
• Plus one additional night (Monday 7 September) with breakfast
  (Recommended for participants travelling from further afield; available to all)

Package 3 - £45

• ​No accommodation
• Daily lunches and servery hot dinners
• All social activities
• 3-course Summer School dinner at Durham Castle

Important Information

• Capacity is strictly limited to 65 attendees
• Places will be allocated on a first come, first served basis
• Registration will close once all places are filled or on 10 August (whichever comes first)
• A waitlist will be implemented if demand exceeds availability

Arrival and Attendance
All attendees are expected to arrive for registration on Tuesday 8 September and remain until the final session. Meet at Durham University's Waterside Building. Address: The Waterside Building, Riverside Place, Durham, DH1 1SL, United Kingdom.

Abstracts
All attendees are expected to contribute to the networking activities by presenting either a 5 minute flash talk or a poster. To prepare for registration, please have a short abstract (maximum 200 words) ready for submission.

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)