Horizons of Quantum Biology: Mapping Out the Quantum Theory of Living Matter

This work explores key areas of development for the advancement of research in quantum biology that include the identification of biological quantum effects, the multiscale modeling of biological systems at the interface between quantum mechanics (QM) and molecular mechanics (MM), and the characterization of essential aspects of physiology which emerge from underlying quantum processes and reaction cascades. Research in quantum biology must overcome many diverse theoretical and technical challenges in order to bridge the quantum–classical divide. These challenges range from the need to establish suitable quantum simulation methods and develop realistic models to the problem of rationalizing established biological phenomena that lack current physical justification. Overcoming these challenges presents new and unprecedented opportunities for discoveries in open quantum systems theory on the horizons of physics.