Biological Physics & Mechanics

About

The Biological Physics & Mechanics research group in DAMTP focuses on using theoretical, computational, and experimental tools to understand natural phenomena. Our research approach is interdisciplinary and one in which classical & statistical physics, applied mathematics, and continuum mechanics come together to unravel and quantify the biological world. Most of our current research focuses on the cellular world, from membranes, flagella, and the dynamics of single-cell motility to cell populations and the biophysics of multicellularity. Other research interests include cardiovascular and respiratory flows, pattern formation, complex fluids, bioconvection, fish swimming and biological locomotion, interfacial phenomena, and general phenomena in continuum mechanics.

Academic Staff

Research in the Biological Physics & Mechanics group is being carried out by three members of the academic staff.
Please click on the links below to access their individual research groups:

• Raymond E. Goldstein FRS - Schlumberger Professor of Complex Physical Systems
  • PhD projects available for start in October 2022:
  1. Development of high-genus microstructure in marine sponges (experimental and theoretical projects)
  2. Mechanics and growth of the extracellular matrix in simple multicellular organisms (experimental and theoretical projects)
      
• Eric Lauga - Professor of Applied Mathematics
  • PhD projects available for start in October 2022:
  1. Fluid mechanics of cell locomotion (multiple theory/modelling projects) 
  2. Viscous flows inside biological cells (multiple theory/modelling projects)
  3. Machine Learning for viscous flows (multiple theory/modelling projects) 
  4. Bacteria chemotaxis in the ocean (C-CLEAR Project) 
  5. Machine Learning for marine microorganisms (C-CLEAR Project) 
      
• Timothy J. Pedley FRS - Emeritus Professor
   
• Benjamin D. Simons FRS - Royal Society Research Professor