Biological Filaments: Structure, Dynamics and Function

Biological filaments are central to a plethora of biological processes, ranging from muscular activity at the macroscale to cellular motion at the microscale. A comprehensive understanding of their function requires cutting-edge approaches that transcend the traditional boundaries of science. This workshop aims to stimulate fresh conversations and forge new interdisciplinary networks between biologists and physicists aiming to elucidate the structure, dynamics, and function of biological filaments using diverse and state-of-the-art techniques. Bringing together world-leading experts, as well as ECRs from this broad and vibrant field, we aim to drive transformative discoveries into the underlying principles governing the diverse function of biological filaments as essential building blocks of life.

We are excited to announce a 2-day workshop entitled Biological filaments: Structure, dynamics, and function which will take place at the Living Systems Institute, University of Exeter, UK from Wednesday 31 of January 2024 to Thursday 1 of February 2024.
The aim of this workshop is to foster a network of physicists and biologists researching biological filaments across scales and from different conceptual, technical, and disciplinary angles.

Confirmed speakers:
​Sonja-Verena Albers (University of Freiburg, D)
Morgan Beeby (Imperial College, London, UK)
Alexandra Brand (University of Exeter, UK)
Mack Durham (University of Sheffield, UK)
Benjamin Friedrich (Technical University of Dresden, D)
Vicki Gold (University of Exeter, UK)
Eric Keaveny (Imperial College London, UK)
Marco Mazza (Loughborough University, UK)
Danielle Paul (University of Bristol, UK)
Mitya Pushkin (University of York, UK)
Orkun Soyer (University of Warwick, UK)

Exeter has two railway stations – Exeter St David’s (main station) and Exeter Central. Exeter St David’s Station is approximately 10 minutes walk from the Streatham Campus and taxis are available. The average journey time from London Paddington is 2 hours 30 minutes to Exeter. See Streatham Campus map for the walking route.
Use National Rail Enquiries to plan your route. For passenger information phone 08457 484950.

​Direct flights operate into Exeter Airport and some airports in the United Kingdom.
Taxis from the airport can be pre-booked from Apple Central Taxis, previously Gemini Taxis. The journey takes approx 1.5 hrs.
Alternatively you can fly to Bristol Airport. Taxis from the airport can be pre-booked from Apple Central Taxis (see above) or you can use the train service to Exeter St David’s via Bristol Temple Meads. See the National Rail website for details.
Another option is to fly to London Heathrow Airport. Use the Heathrow Express to London Paddington and then take a train from there to Exeter St David’s (this will be the Great Western Railway Service to Exeter, Paignton, Plymouth or Penzance). See the National Rail website for details.

There are a number of hotels in town (about 15-20 minute walk from the university), participants should book early to avoid disappointment. Some suggested hotels (including approximate prices) are shown below. There are also a number of B&Bs in the area (Queens court, the Clock Tower, Raffles Hotel etc).

• Premier Inn Exeter Central – £61 per night
  (0.7 miles to conference venue, 0.6 miles from city centre,)
• Mercure Exeter Rougemont – £102 per night
  (1 mile to Conference Centre, 0.2miles to City Centre, right opposite Exeter Central Station,)
• Leonardo Hotel Exeter – £120 per night
  (1.1 miles to Conference Venue, 0.5 miles to City Centre)
• Hotel Indigo – £102 per night
  (1.2 miles to Conference Centre, 0.1 miles to city centre,)
• Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel – £213 per night
  (1.4 miles to Conference Venue, 0.2 miles to City Centre,)
• Holiday Inn Express Exeter City Centre – £78 per night
  (1.5 miles to Conference Centre, 0.3 miles to city centre)
• Hotel du Vin Exeter – £104 per night
  (1.5 miles to conference venue, 0.3 miles from city centre)

If you have any questions about this event, please contact either Kirsty Wan Wan: K.Y.Wan2@exeter.ac.uk or Network Manager, Karis Baker: k.h.baker@dur.ac.uk.

Please complete the registration form found here by 17 Jan: Workshop questionnaire (google.com)