FRIAS-ICAM Exploratory Workshop on Nontrivial Quantum Effects in Biomolecular Systems

The workshop will investigate the relevance of quantum coherence effects in biomolecular systems by bringing together an interdisciplinary community including biochemists, quantum physicists, and material scientists. Aside from addressing the fundamentals of quantum effects in biomolecular systems, the meeting will explore what can be learned from nature to optimize related, technologically relevant processes, such as efficient light-harvesting and charge separation in artificially designed nanostructures.

Central questions to be addressed in the workshop are:

• Under which conditions do nontrivial quantum coherent effects exist in natural biomolecular or biological structures?
• Do quantum coherent effects play a functional role in natural biomolecular systems?* What sets the time and length scale for quantum decoherence?
• What is the role of the protein-solvent environment (increase efficiency, help for down-regulation of solar photon harvesting)?
• Can we exploit these principles for the design of more efficient artificial structures for energy harvesting?
• Can we learn from nature how to design optimal environmental conditions for quantum coherent effects to be exploited in artificial systems, e.g., in solar cells or nanosensors?