We are delighted to announce the TIFR Interdisciplinary Programme in the Physics of Life (TIFR-PoL). We are targeting exceptionally creative and adventurous students with strong foundations in physics, engineering and computer science, who seek to carry out cutting-edge theoretical and experimental research in biology.

The study of living systems presents some of the deepest and most challenging problems in all of science, including: the origin of life, the evolution of complexity, and the functioning of the brain. Each of these questions requires us to build connections between physics and chemistry at molecular scales, with outcomes at cellular, organismal and ecosystems scales. This is why, over the past decade, ideas from the disciplines of physics, engineering and computer science have become indispensable to biology.

The TIFR-PoL programme is a special stream within the TIFR graduate programme that provides unique flexibilities and resources for students with quantitative backgrounds. Foundational courses provide a rapid introduction to biological phenomenology at all scales, from molecules to organisms and ecosystems. Advanced courses spanning soft and active matter physics, informational and data sciences, and modern experimental methods, expand and strengthen quantitative skills. Students in the programme have the opportunity to work with participating faculty members and groups across multiple Centres of TIFR, to define and address research questions that expand our quantitative and conceptual understanding of living systems.

Useful links:

• TIFR Graduate Studies 
• Academic Procedures Handbook (Prospectus)
• Navigating Graduate School: a guide
• Selected candidates for ICTS-NCBS PhD Program in Physics of Life 2025 (Based on interviews held between 2 April - 3 April 2025)

Participating TIFR Centres

National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS-TIFR), Bengaluru, 
International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS-TIFR), Bengaluru.