QEpi2026 – Quantum Effects on Epigenetic Regulation in Living Systems

Topic Overview

The QEpi2026 conference, Quantum Effects on Epigenetic Regulation in Living Systems, brings together experts from diverse scientific disciplines to explore the question: “Can quantum phenomena play a decisive role in regulatory processes in living systems, including epigenetic mechanisms?”. We will discuss potential answers to this question from a truly interdisciplinary perspective. Although research progress and experimental evidence have been produced in different disciplines in relation to this context, this line of inquiry has never been pursued in a unified multi-disciplinary effort. On one hand, much work has focused on characterizing the electronic properties of DNA and various other molecules to assess their potential utility for engineering applications. On the other hand, researchers have investigated the dynamics of quantum processes along DNA segments in open environments from a purely theoretical perspective. What remains to be uncovered, is how these quantum processes intersect with the complexity of biological regulation, particularly in the context of epigenetics.

 

This conference will be instrumental in creating solid foundations for an international collaboration in the pursuit of this line of research, bringing together experts from quantum physics, chemistry, and epigenetics, and fostering multiple efforts in this largely unexplored field.