Quantum biology: Does it exist and is this important? American Physical Society Racah Institute of Physics Workshop VI Quantum biology: Does it exist and is this important? December 21, Danciger B Seminar room, Afternoon (21.12.16 @ 16.00)

Program  16.00 – 16.10 Prof. Miron Ya. Amusia Introductory remarks 16.10 – 17.05 Prof. Yossi Paltiel The physicist’s view on quantum biology, 17.05 – 17.50 Prof. Nir Keren Is there anything quantum in biology and if so, is it important? (The biological perspective). 17.50 -18.15 - General discussion: We - to APS, APS – to us”. Moderators: M. Amusia and R. Herber, APS Fellows

Speakers and Moderators 2 Worked for High-Tech Industry Prof. Yossi Paltiel Was born in 1968. PhD in Physics, Weizmann Institute of Science, 2000 Worked for High-Tech Industry Faculty member, from 2009 Applied Physics Department, Chairman of Applied Physics, The Quantum Nano-Engineering Laboratory 85 papers and issued 11 patents

Speakers and Moderators 2 Left to right: Hammam, Ido, Yossi, Yuval, Hen, Eran, Oren, Amir, Nir, Maayan, Ohad, Matania, Shira, Lilach, Lior, Aviya (Ein Gedi, October 2016) Are all of them here?

Speakers and Moderators 3 Prof. Nir Keren Was born in 1968. PhD in Biochemistry, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 2000 Faculty member, from 2006 Institute of Life Sciences Vice Chair, Head of the teaching program, Head of a Lab

Speakers and Moderators 4 Prof. Nir Keren Are all 11 here?

Speakers and Moderators 5 Prof. Miron Ya. Amusia Was born in 1934 in former Leningrad. Professor Emeritus, Hebrew University, Jerusalem, since 2008 Many-body theory; atomic and quasi-atomic structure and processes, Fermion condensation, 500 papers, 17 books

Speakers and Moderators 6 Prof. Rolfe H. Herber Was born in 1927 in Germany Hebrew University, Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Structure and property of solids, about 350 papers, 5 books

Abstract of both talks (1)   Can nontrivial quantum effects control biological systems behavior? Do biological processes take advantage of the quantum properties of matter? At first glance, this seems unlikely due to the large disorder associated with biology. However, evidence for processes at the quantum/classical border are emerging in enzymology, bioenergetics and most prominently in photosynthetic excitation transfer in light-harvesting complexes (LH).

Abstract of both talks (2)   These are ultrafast reactions that exhibit efficiencies higher than those of artificial devices. Long-range quantum coherence could contribute to the high yield of these reactions. If true harnessing the design principles of the biological system can lead to the realization of devices that will transform future quantum technology. In this workshop, we will explain the basic claims of quantum biology and argue in favor (Yossi Paltiel) and against (Nir Keren) these claims.

SOME COMMENTS on 0ur meetings 1  W. I. Crossing the domains within physics: fullerenes and endohedrals as an object, where atomic, molecular and condensed matter physics are getting together – 09.01.12. W. II. Friction in physics and society - 12.12.12. at 12.12. W. III. What physics can say about climate changes -25.12.13.

SOME COMMENTS on 0ur meetings 2  W. IV. Quantum computing: achievable reality or unrealistic dream – 06.01.15 W. V. Centennial journey – from classic light to quanta and back – 16.12.15, W. VI. Quantum biology: Does it exist and is this important? – 21.12.16 Our Style of selection is clear. Proposals are welcome.

APS –New Challenges 1 Today: APS – biggest PS in the World. Compare membership APS – 50000, EPS - 3200 Founded in 1899. I was in Atlanta at the Centennial meeting – 14000 participants! Is very active on International affairs that touch science and scientists Foreign friends of APS E. g. Supports and encourages our meetings

APS – New Challenges 1 Examples of Challenges: Climate changes [Topical Group on the Physics of Climate (GPC)] On-line reality, on line world Preservation of global approach to science Continuation of internationality Non-discrimination on ethnicity, country of residence, sex etc.

The podium is yours, Dear speakers At first Yossi and then NIR