Winter School 2023:
​Challenges and Opportunities in Physics of Life 

12-14 December 2023
Durham University

Organised by Karis Baker, Mark Leake and Alice Pyne

Winter School Overview

The Physics of Life network 3 is a UKRI (EPSRC, BBSRC, MRC) national UK network aimed to bridge research between physicists and biologists. One of the network’s objectives is to train and equip the next generation of scientists for this interdisciplinary field through network organised schools. The network will hold its next school in Durham from 12 -14 December 2023. The academic interdisciplinary winter school program will consist of invited guest lectures, networking and training sessions delivered by Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) - a former EPSRC Fellowship holder and successfully funded researcher and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts) - a former EPSRC portfolio manager. Professor Allwood and Dr Massung both now provide communication and proposal training for those in higher education and research. Social activities, including a conference dinner (day 2; 13 December) will also take place. The audience is expected to comprise of early career researchers (postgraduate students, up to early career research scientists) from different science backgrounds (all are welcome!). Its state of the art research coverage is designed to provide a valuable introduction to biophysical research.

Programme

The winter school will run from 12-14 December 2023 (starting Tuesday morning and finishing on Thursday early eve) and will provide an intensive and stimulating scientific programme. Social events (including a conference dinner) and plenty of networking breaks will allow participants and course deliverers to network, meet and interact in an informal setting. 

Provisional Programme

Day 1	Tuesday 12 December
10.30	​Registration with Tea and Coffee
11.00-11.15	Professor Mark Leake (University of York)  ​Welcome from Winter school organisers
11.15-12.00	Professor Mark Leake ​Welcome Lecture: 'Challenges and Opportunities in Physics of Life'
12.00-13.00	Professor Mark Leake and Dr Alice Pyne  ​'Ice breakers and networking session.'
13.00-14.15	Networking Lunch​
14.15-15.00	Professor Maddy Parsons (KCL)  ​‘Imaging dynamics and mechanics in disease.’
15.00-15.45	Professor Tanniemola Liverpool (University of Bristol) ​'Mathematics and Physics of Wound healing'
15.45-16.30	​Networking Refreshments
16.30-18.15	Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts)​ ​'Idea Generation: Introduction' ​​
19.00	Dinner at Collingwood​
Day 2	​Wednesday 13 December
9.00-9.45	Professor Kislon Voitchovsky (Durham University) ​'Detecting nanovesicles in saliva for disease diagnosis: an interdisciplinary journey.'
9.45-10.30	Professor Daniele Faccio (University of Glasgow) ​'Megapixel fluorescence lifetime imaging'
10.30-11.00	Networking Refreshments
11.00-11.45	Dr Alice Pyne (University of Sheffield) ​ ​'Imaging the invisible: new tools to quantify the structure of DNA at the nanoscale'
11.45-12.30	Dr Stuart Higgins (University of York) 'Designing biomaterial interfaces to probe biological questions'
12.30-14.00	Networking Lunch
14.00-15.00	Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts)​  ​'Introduction to Grant Writing'
15.00-16.30	Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts)​ ​'Idea Generation: Tools and Techniques'
16.30-17.00​	Networking Refreshments​
17.00-18.00​	Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts)​ 'How Not to Write'
19.00	Group Photo​
19.00	​Winter School Dinner at St Chad's College, Durham, South Bailey
Day 3	Thursday 14 December
9.00-9.45	Professor Timothy Saunders (University of Warwick)  ​'Quantifying and Modelling Biological Patterning'
9.45-10.30	Professor Hannah Smithson (University of Oxford) 'Eye spy! Using the eye as a window on active processes of neural function and control.'
10.30-11.00	Networking Refreshment break ​
11.00-12.00	​​PoL Roadmap session led by Mark Leake
12.00-13.00	Networking Lunch
13.00-14.30	Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts)  ​'Idea Generation: Presentations'
14.30-15.00	Networking Refreshment Break​
15.00-16.00​	Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts)  ​​'Tackling Procrastination and Time Management'
16.00-17.00	Professor Dan Allwood (Peak Writing) and Dr Elaine Massung (Academic Smartcuts)  ​'​Habit Forming: Systems for Success'
17.00	Winter School Close

​Who should attend?

The school is aimed at early career scientists  – particularly postgraduates (postgrad 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). For information relating to travel, please email [email protected]. 

Venue and accommodation

The winter school will take place at Durham University. Lectures and sessions will be held on the science site at Durham University within the Palatine Centre, accommodation will be at nearby Collingwood College (5-10 minute walk). Standard single college rooms with en-suites and full English breakfast will be provided. Check in is from 2pm and check out from 10am. For location information, see Maps and directions. 

Contact

If you have any questions about this event, please contact Karis Baker, Network Manager at: [email protected].

Registration

The winter school is heavily subsidised by the Physics of Life Network, this means the registration fee is kept at the very minimum. It thus represents exceptionally good value for money. Please let us know at the time of booking if you have any dietary or access requirements. This winter school has a capacity of 45 attendees and places are allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Registration packages available:
Package 1 £50: 
Includes accommodation check in: Tuesday 12 December, check out: Thursday 14 December with full English breakfast, lunches, dinners (including the winter school 3 course dinner).   
Package 2 £102.50:
Same as package 1 but with an additional nights stay on Monday 11 December (with full English breakfast). This option has been provided to help participants who may be travelling from further, afield but is an option available to all participants. 
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Additional information:

• Arrival: Please note all attendees are expected to arrive for registration on Tuesday 12 December and stay until the final session on Thursday 14 December. 
• ​Registration deadline: Places will be allocated on a first come, first serve basis. There are 45 places available. Registration will close as soon as capacity is met. A wait list will be implemented if there is extra demand. 
• Cancellation policy: In the event that you would need to cancel your place on the winter school, full refunds cannot be guaranteed - this will depend on the cancellation notice given and whether your place can be filled from the waiting list.
  

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​Please note the Winter School is now FULLY BOOKED.​ If you would like to be added to our wait list in case of drop outs, please complete the form below.  ​​​