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Over the past two decades, the study of living and bioinspired systems has transformed our understanding of soft matter systems and bioinspired materials, leading to the emergence of a rapidly expanding research field at the interface of statistical physics, soft matter, material science, and cell biology. A central focus in this domain is to uncover the physical mechanisms that underlie the emergence of structure, function, and collective behavior in both equilibrium and out-of-equilibrium systems. Living systems often operate far from equilibrium, yet many of the organizing principles—such as self-assembly, phase separation, and mechanical response—are based on fundamental physics that spans both regimes. Understanding these mechanisms provides not only insight into biological organization but also a basis for engineering adaptive and functional materials. This summer school is motivated by the need to provide young researchers—PhD students and early postdocs—with a coherent and advanced training on the physics of complex and living matter. It will cover a broad range of systems, from molecular and colloidal assemblies and artificial cells to migrating cells, microbial collectives, developing tissues and bioinspired materials. Across these systems, the emphasis will be on physical mechanisms that drive organization, force generation, transport, responsiveness and autonomy. The school will provide in-depth exposure to both experimental methods and theoretical modeling, at the interface between soft matter physics, biophysics, and statistical physics. By connecting natural and synthetic systems, the school will highlight how controlled minimal platforms can be used to test physical theories, and how those insights can be extended to the biological complexity of living systems.