The second Biophysics Summer School, focused this year on “Pattern Formation and Developmental Processes”, was successfully held from July 7th to 14th at Xenia, in Rethymno, Crete. The event brought together 50 participants, including students and instructors, from across Europe and the United States, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue at the intersection of physics, biology, and computational science.
The Summer School featured a dynamic program of lectures, hands-on computational workshops, poster sessions, participant presentations, and structured one-on-one student-instructor discussions. A variety of social events further contributed to an engaging and friendly atmosphere for all.
Participants explored a range of topics including embryogenesis, pattern formation in biological systems, novel model organisms, and emerging technologies in quantitative biology. Eight internationally recognized instructors led sessions throughout the week, with three affiliated with the Flatiron Institute (New York, NY, USA) of the Simons Foundation, which financially supported this year’s school.
Most attendees were Ph.D. and Master’s students, complemented by a number of advanced undergraduates and postdoctoral researchers. Participants had a physics, biology or computer science background, and presented their cross-disciplinary projects enriching the interdisciplinary dialogue of the program.
A key aim of the Summer School is to increase access for Greek students to international scientific training opportunities. This goal was advanced with the participation of eight Greek students, some of whom may not typically have the chance to travel abroad for conferences and workshops.
Organizers are already looking ahead to the next Biophysics Summer School, scheduled to take place in two years.
For detailed program and instructors, visit https://biophysics.materials.uoc.gr .
Local organizer: Emmanouela Filippidi, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Crete, and Partner Group Leader, MPI of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Germany
Co-organizers: Eleni Katifori, Associate Professor, Dept. of Physics and Astronomy, UPenn and Senior Research Scientist, the Flatiron Institute
Dimitris Vavylonis, Professor, Dept. of Physics, Lehigh University and Guest Scientist, the Flatiron Institute
