Focus on Quantum Biology

The advent of quantum mechanics overhauled the physical sciences leading to huge leaps in physics, chemistry, and computer science. In recent years, biology has made great advances through interdisciplinary work with chemistry and physics. Yet the quantum revolution’s impact on biology remains largely unexplored. Among the most intriguing aspects is the possible role that quantum physics plays in biology. This topic has ignited vigorous and enduring debate.

Quantum physics undeniably underpins the existence and stability of atoms and molecules, including the macromolecules fundamental to biology. However, the question persists: does quantum physics extend its role beyond this realm to imbue characteristic features observed in living matter?

Evidence emerging from theoretical and experimental physics, computational chemistry, and experimental biology suggests that certain processes within living organisms exploit quantum phenomena such as long-lived quantum coherence, entanglement, and quantum tunneling. Yet, decisive advancements in understanding the role of quantum physics in biology necessitate the development of innovative tools, methodologies, and conceptual frameworks at the intersection of physics, chemistry, and biology. If quantum physics plays a role in biology, in which systems does this happen, and at what level? How can we experimentally investigate these effects? For example, do light-activated biochemical processes make use of long-lived quantum coherence? If so, how is the process of decoherence delayed in the cellular environment? Can advances in the new field of quantum thermodynamics help explain this?

At a higher level, considering that biology, particularly the physiology of the brain and the emergence of consciousness, is rooted in underlying physical interactions with quantum bases, what role does quantum physics play in understanding the brain and consciousness?

Biological processes exhibit extraordinary complexity, yet consensus on defining this complexity remains elusive. How can we better define the complexity of biological systems? How can we quantify and measure correlations between quantum features, complexity, and entropy within living systems? Can novel tools and methodologies be proposed to explore these correlations effectively?

The origin and mechanisms of life have captivated exceptional scientists like Erwin Schrödinger, who, in 1944, penned the seminal book What Is Life? The Physical Aspect of the Living Cell, long after formulating his quantum mechanical equation. Now is the opportune moment to delve deeper into unraveling the role of quantum mechanics in biological processes and living matter, including our brain and consciousness, and to investigate the intricate interplay between quantum physics and biology.

FQxI has an interest in foundational questions across all of science. Interesting and novel ideas suggested in this Competition may become the basis of future funding rounds.

Questions to Consider:

In addition to the questions shared above, we suggest entrants consider addressing the two prompts below.

Whatever questions are explored in an essay, in all cases, Competition Entrants are encouraged to consider the practical application of their work. In particular, those suggesting novel experimental approaches to addressing issues will be considered favorably at the evaluation stage.

All Entries are Anonymous until the Winners are Announced

Essays complying with the rules and satisfying FQxI's relevance and quality criteria will be posted on FQxI’s website anonymously using a randomly selected name. All submissions will stay anonymous until the Prize Winners are announced in December. When this announcement is made, the name and biographical information for each Essay Author will be shared publicly. At this point, anonymized commentators in the Essay Competition forums will also be de-anonymized.

FQxI personnel who are not involved in the judging will hold a record of names, biographical details, and whether or not the entrant is an FQxI Member.