UCL Institute for the Physics of Living Systems Annual Symposium 2026

Our goal in organising this symposium is to showcase the depth and breadth of research at the interface between physics, mathematics, computer science, and biology at UCL. We aim to spur new collaborations within UCL and across London by presenting novel interdisciplinary approaches to tackling complex biological questions.

Registration for this event is free but mandatory. As places are limited, we encourage you to register early to avoid disappointment. Refreshments and lunch will be provided.

Register here:  https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/KfsgxLHibk

Please register by 1 June 2026, 12:00 noon to receive joining instructions.

If you would like to be considered for an early career researcher flash talk (8-minute talk + 2-minute Q&A), please submit an abstract (maximum 300 words) via the registration form by Monday 11 May 2026, 12:00 noon.

Directions: Enter UCL via the Malet Place gate (opposite the Waterstones bookshop on Torrington Place). From there, enter the first set of doors on your left (Roberts Building). Access to the building is via card-operated turnstiles. Security staff will be available to assist non-UCL visitors.

Programme:

09.30-9.45  Welcome and Introduction

Session I

Chair: Guillaume Charras

9.45-10.15  From dynamics of single cohesin molecules to genome architecture
Maxim Molodtsov (IPLS, UCL and Francis Crick Institute)

10.15-10.45  In vivo swimming migration of Drosophila adipocytes
Anna Franz (IPLS, UCL)

10.45-11.15  Break and Discussion

Session II - Keynote Speaker

Chair: Alessandro Mongera

11.15-12.15  From Fluctuations to Form: A Physics Perspective on Development
Thomas Gregor (Institut Pasteur, Paris)

12.15-13.00  Lunch and Discussion

Session III

Chair: Jonathan Chubb

13:00-13:30 Understanding collective cell migration using light-controlled leader cells
Leone Rossetti (King’s College London)

13:30-14:00  How do cells work together to build tissues? Predictive modelling, integrative experiments and emergence
Katie Bentley (Francis Crick Institute)

14:00-14:30  Role of mechanical signals in fetal lung development
Federica Michielin (IPLS, UCL)

14.30-15.00  Break and Discussion

Session IV

Chair: Carina Dunlop

15:00-15:30 Coping with Mechanical Stress - Tissue Dynamics During Development, Homeostasis and Repair
Yanlan Mao (IPLS, UCL)

15:30-16:30 Early career researcher flash talks
Lucia Baldauf (Charras Lab, UCL)
Hugh Ford (Chubb Lab, UCL)
James Henderson (Tiffeau-Mayer Lab, UCL)
Jamila Rowland-Chandler (Shou Lab, UCL)
Lewis Mosby (Hadjivasiliou Lab, UCL/Francis Crick Institute)

16.30-17:00  Drinks Reception