LS2 Section Biophysics

Biophysics: Unraveling the quantitative nature of biology

Modern biology is driven by the combination of several critical technologies: Elaborate in vitro reconstitutions of biomolecular systems, an ever increasing arsenal of methodologies to perform dynamic, quantitative and structural studies not only in vitro but up to live cells and entire organisms, as well as the theoretical synthesis of the resulting data towards molecular and even system-wide modeling.

The field of Biophysics encompasses the development and application of experimental and theoretical methodologies with molecular resolution from single-molecules to whole organisms. In recent years, biophysics and structural biology have been at the forefront of scientific progress, with novel developments in cryo electron-microscopy (Nobel Prize 2017 for Jacques Dubochet, UNIL, and colleagues) and single-molecule and super-resolution imaging (Nobel Prize 2014 for Stefan W. Hell and colleagues).

Switzerland has a long tradition for biophysics and structural biology and the Swiss Universities host a vibrant community of research groups working on different aspects of biophysical research. With the founding of a new LS2 section in Biophysics, we aim to provide new avenues for networking, knowledge transfer and intellectual exchange for biophysicists and researchers working in related fields in Switzerland.

The LS2 section Biophysics was founded in 2019, by integrating former Swiss Biophysical Society, with aim to elevate the profile of Biophysics in Switzerland and to strengthen the vibrant Biophysics community in Switzerland. The first Section event was Biophysics symposium at the FEBS3+ LS2 Annual Meeting 2020 in Zürich.

Section Board

President

Beat Fierz
EPFL

Vice-President

Aleksandra Radenovic
EPFL

Board Member

Sebastian Hiller
University of Basel, Biozentrum

Board Member

Horst Vogel
EPFL

Board Member

Karsten Kruse
University of Geneva

Board Member

Benoit Zuber
University of Bern

Board Member

Stefanie Jonas
ETH Zurich

Board Member

Sonja Schmid
University of Basel

Board Member

Liudmila Polonchuk
Roche

Board Member

Basile Wicky
ETH Zurich

News and Events:

Biophysics Festival 2026

The Portuguese Young Biophysicists Group (PYBPHY) of the Portuguese Biophysics Society invites you to the 6th Meeting of Young Biophysicists – Biophysics Festival 2026, held June 11–12, 2026, at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Sciences and Technology of the University of Coimbra. The meeting offers students and early-career researchers a platform to present their work, exchange ideas, and engage with experts through plenary lectures, talks, flash presentations, and poster sessions.

Registration is open via Google Forms. Abstracts for oral, flash, or poster presentations must follow the website template and be submitted by April 22, 2026.

For inquiries, contact pybiophysicists.spbf@gmail.com and follow social media for updates.

Also - five international grants (€100 each), along with free registration are available to support non-Portuguese students attending the 6th Meeting of Young Biophysicists – Biophysics Festival 2026. To apply, candidates must be BSc, MSc, or PhD students residing outside Portugal and submit an abstract by April 22, 2026. In addition, applicants should send an email to Prof. Dr. Sandra Ribeiro (sribeiro@i3s.up.pt) and to pybiophysicists.spbf@gmail.com with the subject line: “Application for International Grant – Biophysics Festival 2026 – [Your Name]”

The application email must include: one-page CV, one-page motivation letter, the submitted abstract (using the template available on our website) and proof of enrollment at a foreign university.

Gordon Research Conference: Single Molecule Approaches to Biology

The Gordon Research Conference on Single Molecule Approaches to Biology will take place from 28 June to 3 July 2026 in Les Diablerets, Switzerland. This leading international meeting brings together experts and emerging researchers working at the forefront of single-molecule biology to explore the latest technological and conceptual advances in the field. Centered around the theme “Bridging Scales and Disciplines: The Multifaceted Landscape of Single-Molecule Biology,” the conference highlights how single-molecule approaches are transforming our understanding of biological systems across molecular, cellular, and integrative scales.

The program will cover a broad spectrum of cutting-edge methodologies and applications, including fluorescence and force spectroscopies, nanopores, microfluidics, molecular trapping, super-resolution and high-speed AFM imaging, theory and simulations, and integrative bio-nanotechnologies. By bringing together technology developers and biological researchers, the meeting aims to foster interdisciplinary exchange and accelerate breakthroughs in understanding the mechanistic basis of life at the single-molecule level. A preceding Gordon Research Seminar for early-career researchers will be held on 27-28 June 2026 in conjunction with the conference.

Applications for this meeting must be submitted by May 31, 2026. Funding assistance for first time attendees is available.

Single-Molecule FRET: The Next 30 Years

In 1996, the first single-molecule Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (smFRET) experiments were published, demonstrating that the possibility of measuring FRET efficiencies on individual molecules and opening a new direction for the biophysical sciences. With smFRET studies, heterogeneities can be observed directly and dynamics can be measured without synchronization. Since FRET is sensitive to distances, combined studies at the single-molecule and ensemble levels have emerged as excellent tools for measuring structural dynamics and mapping the conformational landscape and functional heterogeneities of biomolecules under ambient conditions.

In honor of this historic occasion, this thematic meeting will act as a forum to discuss the current advances and challenges for FRET experiments and theory. It will take place from 21-25 September 2026, in Tutzing, Germany.

Abstract submission has now opened. 

MAF2026

MAF2026 will take place August 9–12 in Copenhagen, Denmark.

MAF conference will gather scientists, researchers, and innovators in the field of fluorescence. Over four days, we will explore methodologies, applications, and fluorescent materials. We aim to foster meaningful discussions and new collaborations such that we can continue advancing the frontiers of fluorescence-based science.

Whether you're here to present your latest findings, engage in discussions, or simply connect with peers from around the world, we hope that will enjoy MAF2026. It is thanks to you we all can enjoy the dynamic MAF community — we look forward to welcoming you in Copenhagen.

Submission closes: May 01, 2026

More information HERE.

Useful resources

Educational resources provided by Biophysical Society

Classroom resources

Super-resolution microscopy

Database of useful biological numbers

Fundamentals in Biophotonics

European Affiliation