CPBM Hosts Inspiring Annual Away Days
Durham & Newcastle, May 26–27, 2026 - The Centre for Programmable Biological Matter held its annual Research Away Days across two fantastic venues, bringing together our PhD students, postdoctoral researchers, and PIs for two days of scientific exchange, robust discussion and professional development.
Day 1: Research in Focus at Durham University
The first day, hosted at Durham University, featured an update from our Centre Director, Professor Jonathan Heddle, and a full schedule of scientific poster sessions from all of our PhD students, allowing our early-career researchers to showcase their work. The sessions provided a platform for lively discussion and constructive feedback.
A well-earned coffee break offered a moment of informal networking before the group reconvened for a session led by Iqra, CPBM’s administrator, to refresh the CPBM Team Charter, so it continues to reflect the values and vision for the Centre and our team.
Day 2: Discovery and Reflection in Newcastle
The second day took place in the historic Lit & Phil Library in Newcastle – one of the oldest private collections of books, music and art open to the public. The building has been the home of the former Literary and Philosophical Society of Newcastle since 1825. Initially a place where people would meet to discuss and debate the matters of the day, and new scientific discoveries. By the early 19th century it had become a home for inventors and a focal point for the industrial revolution – George Stephenson demonstrated his ‘miners safety lamp’ to the Society in 1815 and Joseph Swan lit a public room with electric light for the first time there in 1881.
In the library’s Lecture Room, our postdoctoral researchers provided a series of engaging presentations, focusing on their ideas for the future of their own research, highlighting their unique skills and expertise and the ambition of the Centre’s research.
A buffet lunch offered time to connect and recharge before Assistant Professors Ting and Adam shared updates on their labs’ research, and applications for grant funding. Their presentations gave attendees a clearer picture of what lies ahead as they progress in their academic research careers and bring more early-career researchers to the CPBM for their training.
The day concluded with an tour of the Grade II-listed building and all of its curiosities and collections.
The Centre extends its sincere thanks to the team at The Lit & Phil for being such gracious hosts, and The Leverhulme Trust for their generous support in making our Research Away Days possible.
