IPLS Student Retreat 2019

This years IPLS retreat was held in Poole in the south of the UK. We were very priveleged to stay in Sandbanks where we heard an incredible variety of talks, miraclously without a single day of rain!

After a long train journey, we heard the first round of PhD chalk talks, followed by a walk along the beach, where we were lucky enough to see a group of dolphins! Upon returning we ate a meal cooked by members of the group, with a stunning view of the sunset over the sea. Afterwards science pictionary made a triumphant return, followed by a round of codewords and then conversations and games long into the evening.

The next day began with chalk talks, followed by lunch and the talks by our invited speakers. We were honoured to host Dr Katelyn Spillane (Kings College London) and Serge Mostowy (London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine) who introduced us to their fascinating work, and offered fresh insight on the remaining chalk talks. Their presentations and input sparked discussion which continued on into our evening meal. It was a great opportunity to talk informally with experts in their fields, and get a greater view of the wider world of physics of living systems outside of the IPLS.

Our final evening involved a science themed pub quiz, and more games and informal discussions, before returning to London the following morning. The experience was extremely valuable in forming new connections between labs, and in helping build and stengthen the sense of community of the IPLS. We are immensely grateful to the IPLS, and all the invited speakers, as well as the students themselves who made the event so much fun; we are already looking forward to next year!