About

The institute offers a world-class environment for research in the physics of living systems, supported by MAPS and FLS. We aim to support existing collaborations and facilitate new interactions between research groups across UCL. We are a highly intercollegiate, interdisciplinary and inclusive organisation that welcomes new members.

As an example of this, a team from the Charras and Lowe labs work together to combine deep learning with live imaging to determine how cancer cells interact and influence normal cells. Other teams are asking what are the essential differences that separate the animate from the inanimate, life from death; how molecular interactions between cells control the strength of tissues; and how biological systems interact with their environment through  dynamic crosstalk.

This type of interdisciplinary research is important because, while recent advancements in biology have led to rapid identification of the component parts of many living systems, this alone cannot reveal how any living system actually works. After all, organisms are complex, dynamic physical-chemical systems. Understanding life requires new approaches and fresh thinking. The knowledge gained can then serve as the basis for technological innovation and interventions in the future.

General Membership

Subscribe to the IPLS mailing list to join and be kept up-to-date with our busy events programme, training opportunities, job vacancies and other news.

Become a Member

We welcome all London-based researchers who are interested in topics related to biological physics to join our events and be a part of our community.  If you have any specific suggestions on speakers to invite or other ways in which IPLS can help advance collaborative research at the interface between biology and physics, please contact Guillaume Charras (g.charras@ucl.ac.uk), Director of IPLS.

Current Vacancies

IPLS group leaders are always keen to hear from talented scientists interested in pursuing a research career in the relevant field. Enquiries can be made directly to Group leaders. All UCL vacancies are advertised through the University’s website. Queries can be directed to the contact provided within the job vacancy.