by Anna Stradner, Lund University, Sweden
The COMMONS/LINXS/SoftComp PhD Summer School on Phase Separation, Condensation and Self-Association in 2D and 3D: From Basic Principles to Applications in Life Sciences was held at the LINXS Institute of Advanced Neutron and X-ray Science, Lund, Sweden, from 24 to 26 August 2026. The event was jointly organized by the COMMONS Center of Excellence (Lund), LINXS, and SoftComp.
Participants and lecturers of the COMMONS/LINXS/SoftComp PhD Summer School LLPS2026 on the LINXS balcony in Lund, Sweden, August 2026, with the European Spallation Source (ESS) visible in the background. Copyright: LINXS/Mia Lindström
The school brought together 35 PhD students from 9 countries and diverse scientific backgrounds, including soft matter physics, biophysics, physical chemistry, materials science, and life sciences. Interest was exceptionally high, with applications exceeding the available capacity by more than a factor of two.
The scientific programme featured lectures by 14 internationally recognized experts from 8 countries. A particular highlight was the participation of Prof. Clifford Brangwynne (Princeton University), one of the world’s leading pioneers in the field of biomolecular condensates. His groundbreaking work established liquid-liquid phase separation as a key mechanism underlying the formation of membraneless cellular compartments and has fundamentally transformed our understanding of cellular organization.
The programme covered theoretical concepts, experimental methods, computer simulations, and biological applications of phase separation and self-association phenomena. All participants presented their research during a dedicated poster session, which stimulated lively scientific exchange and fostered new collaborations among young researchers. The school also served as an ideal preparation for the subsequent international workshop on the same topic.
Supported by SoftComp, the event contributed to advanced training, interdisciplinary exchange, and networking within the European soft matter community.
Organizers:
COMMONS: https://www.commons-center.lu.se/
LINXS: https://www.linxs.se/
