Is there a (theoretical) physics of life? Living systems are possibly the most complex forms of matter known to us. As such, developing mathematical frameworks to explain the processes of life is a daunting task, requiring expertise in multiple disciplines. However, as biological experiments becomes more quantitative in nature, it is inevitable that we will need a theoretical physics of life, and a revolution of this kind is currently underway. In this talk, we will provide a broad picture of living systems from the perspective of soft condensed matter physics, with a focus on the complexities inherent in such a description. In particular, we will focus on the fascinating morphogenetic patterns seen in cells and tissues, and discuss the physics underlying these emergent self-organization phenomenon. The aim will be to provide a glimpse of the fascinating physics found in living systems, and to invite talented students to take up research in this challenging area.
