May 5 at 13.15 in KC:A

The role of experiments for science seems apparent, but how has it changed over time and between disciplines? After an input by Julia Ravanis, we will have a panel discussion to inspire reflections on the structure of science

May 5-6, Lund

The program includes:

* Academic forum - the role of experiments

* LLPS – perspectives from the past into the future!

* COMMONS ideas - ongoing and upcoming!

* Presentation of ESS Lighthouse 

Release event of Glänta magazine issue "What is Life".

April 8 at 17.00 @ Pufendorf Institute 

This issue is made in collaboration with the COMMONS Center. During the release event, the author Malte Persson will read from his text “Attempts to Live”, followed by a discussion with Jessica Abbott (Biology), David Dunér (History of Ideas) and Joakim Stenhammar (Chemistry, COMMONS PI), led by Julia Ravanis (Glänta editor). The release event is co-organised with the Pufendorf Institute and its Advanved Study Group Neobiogenesis: The Inevitability of Life

The presentations will be run in Swedish, while questions and discussion in English are welcome!

Registration link

Ligand binding theory and practice
March 24-28, 2025 in Lund

The course will give a comprehensive introduction to the quantitative theory of molecular
interactions ("ligand binding") applicable to any chemical or biochemical system. This basic-
level course is suitable for beginning graduate students or advanced undergraduate students in
any study field in science and engineering, requiring only general chemistry as preparation.

The course is organized by Jannette Carey (Princeton University and guest professor in COMMONS)

We are happy to welcome 3 new COMMONS postdocs who will work between COMMONS groups to stimulate interactions and collaborations 

Ewa Andrzejewska: Condensate-mediated amyloid nucleation

Ferdinand Fandrei: Membrane-induced liquid-liquid phase separation

Sajitha Sasidharan: Impact of Nanoparticle Binding on Lipid Redistribution and Membrane Deformation in Cellular Membranes

In addition, Nicole Galenkamp started her COMMONS postdoc in 2024. She investigates a-synuclein coopreative binding to biological membranes. 

COMMONS Challenge
Macromolecular Crowding
Mikael Oliveberg & Felix Roosen-Runge

Panel Discussion
Biomimetics - what is needed for meaningful results?
Derbora Berti, Joachim Rädler, Mikael Oliveberg, Emma Sparr

Program

When: Nov 6, 13.00-17.00
Where: KC:A (Chemistry dept, Lund)

Nov 7-13. A methodological PhD course on relevant nanotools to characterize lipid membranes. The course will cover AFM, ellipsometry, QCM-D, FRAP, and SAXS/SANS, including online lectures as individual preparation, and practical labs and tutorials during the presence week. Registration will open after summer. More information. 

The course is co-organized by COMMONS, SWEDNESS, and Malmö University

The COMMONS center will make a number of strategic postdoc recruitments for triggering collaborative research activites within selected areas. We are very happy that Nicole Galencamp will start her COMMONS postdoctoral position mid May with main working place in Lund between physical chemistry and biochemistry. Her research will be focused on cooperativity in protein binding to biological membranes.

Sabrina Leslie (UBC Vancouver) is visiting mid May to mid June in both Lund and Gothenburg. 
As part of the exchange, the LU PhD student Noemi Ferrante-Carrante spent 2 months (Nov & Dec 2024) in Vancouver in the Leslielab.

The Leslie Lab is working at the interface of physics and biology with a particular interest in quantifying single-molecule dynamics. Operating at the leading edge of the field, Dr. Sabrina Leslie and her team are pioneering high-resolution imaging techniques which support drug and vaccine discovery and development. Dr. Leslie’s research provides insights into the biophysical properties of molecules and cells with the ultimate goal of propelling quantitative health sciences forward.