Latest Posts - Heddle Lab

Biomeccano: PhD students take on an AI-powered protein design challenge

This summer, the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter launched Biomeccano, its first protein design competition, bringing together PhD students from across Durham University’s Department of Biosciences to tackle a real-world biological challenge. Nineteen PhD students from ten research groups formed four teams, with participants challenged to design an artificial protein binder targeting trypanothione reductase, a…
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Bionano 2026: Bringing together leading experts in bionanotech research

The Centre for Programmable Biological Matter at Durham University played host to Bionano 2026 on 1st and 2nd September. The conference was a significant event for researchers working in the field of bionanotech, and its various applications. The theme for this year’s Bionano conference was ‘Designing and building functional nanostructures from biological molecules and closely…
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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…
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CPBM at Astbury Conversation 2026

Earlier this year, members of the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter attended the annual Astbury Conversation conference in Leeds. Dr. Ting-Yu Lin and Prof Jonathan Heddle attended, alongside 2nd year CPBM PhD student Will Hall, who was awarded a travel grant from the Astbury Conversation organisers to attend this year’s conference. Will presented his research…
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CPBM PhDs Present and Win at Biosciences Postgraduate Conference 2026

At this year’s Department of Biosciences Postgraduate Conference and Away Day, the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter was well-represented, from posters to session chairs to research talks. CPBM post-doctoral research associate Dr Olivia Gittins delivered a talk on her research into using time-resolved cryo-EM to further our understanding of DNA gyrases. Sessions at the conference…
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Prof Jonathan Heddle visits universities across Japan

In his recent trip to Japan, CPBM Director Prof Jonathan Heddle visited colleagues across several universities, to share ideas, opportunities for collaboration and the research taking place at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter and Durham University. Over the course of the 7-day visit, Prof Heddle was hosted by researchers at Science Tokyo KEIO, Waseda…
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Durham Scientists Define the Toolkit for Building the Next Generation of Biological Nanomachines

A new review article published in ACS Nano by a research team at the Durham’s Centre for Programmable Biological matter (CPBM) maps the rapidly advancing toolkit that could help scientists design and build artificial biological nanostructures — tiny systems made from the same kinds of molecules that constitute life itself. The review, “Tools For Building…
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Biomeccano Protein Design Competition 2026

The Centre for Programmable Biological Matter is proud to be hosting the first ever Biomeccano Protein Design Competition this summer. Aimed at PhD students studying in the Department of Biosciences at Durham University with an interest in biochemistry and computational design, the competition provides a unique learning opportunity. The Biomeccano Protein Design Competition will run for 16 weeks throughout Summer 2026, giving every student involved access…
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Bionano 2026

About the Conference We are holding our sixth biennial BIONANO Meeting at Durham University. BIONANO 2026 follows the previous highly successful meeting held at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter in Durham in 2024. This year we will be meeting to discuss new ideas and share our progress in the latest research in designing, building and testing artificial biological nanomachines. This year’s conference will be held…
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CPBM at RNA UK Conference

Earlier this year, the group of researchers at the Centre for Programmable Biological Matter working on RNA attended the annual RNA UK conference hosted in Windermere. Dr. Ting-Yu Lin delivered a fantastic talk on the context-dependent effects of pseudouridylation on tRNA structural integrity and stability. CPBM PhD students Yasmin and Ethan, and our visiting student…
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