A BSI-linked, international team of scientists led by Professor Paul Denny has been awarded The MRC Outstanding Team Impact Prize, which recognises the major impact its collaborative team science approach has made in medical research.

Along with Newcastle University and Northumbria University, members of the Biophysical Sciences Institute have secured funding from the BBSRC (ALERT) to bring powerful new cryo-electron microscopy tools (cryoEM) to the North East.

In November 2024 we were very pleased to welcome Dr Ioanna Mela (Cambridge) to Durham as the 2024 Judith Howard Lecture prize winner.

BSI Summer Research Bursaries provide undergraduate students with valuable hands-on research experience in interdisciplinary laboratories. The bursaries support novel research projects, many of which lead to new academic areas, publications, and further funding applications.

The Early Career Researchers' Winter Symposium 2024, hosted at Durham University, marked an exciting event for the next generation of researchers at the boundaries of the life sciences and the other physical sciences. With over 50 attendees from eight institutions and companies, the one-day event focused on presenting cutting-edge research, and showcasing interdisciplinary discoveries from across biomathematics, biophysics, biological chemistry, chemical biology and bioengineering.

The Physics of Life 2025 conference, held at the Harrogate Convention Centre from March 24-27, prominently featured contributions from Durham BSI members. Ehmke Pohl chaired the session on "Natural and Synthetic Molecular Machines", and he and the other BSI members Margarita Staykova, Jonathan Heddle, and Aakash Basu delivered invited talks. A testament to their expertise and profile in the field of biological physics.

Durham University’s Biophysical Sciences Institute is proud to present "Art Inspired by Science: An Interactive Exhibition," running from April 1-30, 2025, at the Durham University Botanic Garden Café. This unique exhibition showcases the fascinating intersection of science and art, displaying scientific images of biological systems alongside creative responses from professional artists and the wider public.

Biophysical Sciences members Dr. Ting-Yu Lin from the Department of Biosciences and Dr. Francesco Boselli from the Departments of Biosciences and Engineering have each received a Springboard Award to support their biomedical research. Image above: Dr. Ting-Yu Lin and Dr. Francesco Boselli alongside Dr Jungnam Cho at a 2023 BSI Lunchtime Seminar.

Durham, UK – June 2025 — A exciting new exhibition at Ushaw College is inviting visitors to explore the vibrant intersection of art and science. Titled Creative Encounters, the exhibition celebrates the innovative collaborations between artists and scientists from our community, showcasing how creative dialogue can lead to fresh perspectives and unexpected insights.

The Biophysical Sciences Institute (BSI) Early Career Researcher (ECR) group launched the new event series, “What on Earth am I Doing (Next)?”, on 4 June with a lively and well-attended session in the Department of Chemistry. The session was led by the BSI ECR groups’ chair Libbi Moon and new ECR member Matt Grobellaar and attracted researchers from across Durham University who were eager to explore career possibilities and share ideas.

A short film by artist-researcher Dr. Daksha Patel, titled Interfacing, has received international recognition, winning an award at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival (Winter 2025). The film was created in response to pioneering biophysical research into lipid membranes led by Dr. Margarita Staykova at Durham University.