Research in Prof Charras'  lab is organised around four main themes: i) the cellular actin cortex, ii) the mechanics of cells, iii) the mechanics of simple tissues, and iv) cell competition. The first theme seeks to understand F-actin homeostasis in the submembranous cellular cortex. The second theme aims to understand how signaling dynamically controls cell mechanical properties. In the third theme, we are trying to uncover how subcellular organisation and cellular mechanics govern tissue mechanical properties. The final theme uses long-term imaging and deep learning to understand how cells compete for limited space and nutrients.