Workshops

Support is available for 1-2 day workshops around a specialised topic which can stimulate research through new or evolving collaborations between physicists and biologists. The purpose of these events is to focus on a subject area to stimulate collaborative research and grant applications. The events will involve national and international speakers and provide network members with the opportunity to present their work. Typical workshop numbers have ranged between 30 and 100 delegates. Possible workshop activities include Advanced Masterclasses to strengthen common expertise and break-out sessions to crystallise topics for collaboration. Successful collaborations and ideas nurtured from workshops may be further considered for support through a Sandpit application.

A number of proposed topics for workshops have been outlined below. Please note: applications are not limited to these topics. Physic of Life are open to any topics that create partnerships between Physicists and Biologists.

Proposed topics for new PoLNet2 workshops:

Plant growth mechanics and signalling    
New horizons in bioimaging
The physics of epigenetics    
Bioenergy in processing of biological waste
Control of cell shape, size, in eukaryotes    
Evolution and statistical mechanics

Engineering biomimetic machines    
Phase-separation/transition in biological systems
Quantum biology     
Protocells
Biophysics of ageing    
Novel strategies in drug discovery and biologics

Funding availability

The maximum award available is up to £4K (for a 2 day workshop).  Up to £2K (1 day workshops) are also considered. All successful applications also receive workshop organisational support from the Physics of Life co-coordinator. 

How to apply

In order to propose a workshop, please enquire with k.h.baker@dur.ac.uk about available opportunities. The Workshop PoLNET2 Application Template can be found below. 

polnet2_workshop_application_form.docx
File Size:	16 kb
File Type:	docx

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Selection Procedure

​Past WorkshopsPast WorkshopsApplications will be circulated to the PoLNET2 steering group for comment. It is aimed that a decision will be made within one month of application.

High quality ideas which are aligned to PoLNET aims (i.e. strong evidence of collaboration between physics and biology) will be among the criteria for success. In applications, please use clear evidence of interdisciplinarity between Biologists and Physicists, anticipated outputs and the development of excellent collaborative relationships. It is aimed that a decision will be made within one month of the application being submitted.

Past successful Physics of Life workshops have:

1. Chosen a workshop topic that attracts the interests of both Physical scientists and Biologists and sought speaker representation from both disciplines.
2. Designed a timetable allowing for time to discuss new research ideas and opportunities;
3. Facilitated communication between workshop attendees about research interests and areas e.g. through attendee flash presentations.

For examples of past Physics of Life workshop timetables, see: http://www.physicsoflife.org.uk/past-workshops.html