Organized by the IDOR Pioneer Science initiative, the event will be held in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, from August 11–15 

In celebration of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, the Pioneer Science initiative is organizing the first School of Quantum Biology — a bold step into one of science’s most intriguing frontiers. The event will take place from August 11–15 in Paraty, Rio de Janeiro, a coastal town known for its colonial charm, cobblestone streets, and rich cultural heritage. 

Quantum biology is an emerging field investigating how quantum phenomena may influence key biological processes — from enzyme activity and photosynthesis to cognition and consciousness. By applying the principles of quantum mechanics to living systems, researchers hope to uncover new mechanisms that could revolutionize both science and medicine. 

With the support of the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, FAPERJ, Paradox, and the Foundational Questions Institute (FQxI), this initiative places Brazil at the forefront of a growing global conversation. 

An immersive scientific experience: 

The School of Quantum Biology offers a five-day intensive program, including five specialized courses (four hours each) and international seminars, totaling over 20 hours of academic content. A poster session will foster interactive dialogue among participants, encouraging scientific exchange and collaboration. 

The event was conceived not only to deliver advanced training but also to strengthen a new research community in this emerging field. All selected participants — now confirmed — will have travel and shared accommodation provided during the School. 

Objectives and vision: 

• Foster a collaborative research community, bridging early-career researchers and senior scientists. 

• Encourage dialogue and exchange, through interactive formats and international partnerships. 

• Promote methodological rigor, with an emphasis on empirical evidence and clear scientific definitions. 

• Advance technical and theoretical skills, empowering participants to explore biological systems through quantum perspectives. 

Professors: 

The School brings together an exceptional group of educators and scientists each contributing their expertise through dedicated courses:

• Clarice Aiello – Quantum Biology Institute 
  Unveiling Quantum Biology 

• Marcelo Terra Cunha – Unicamp 
  From Classical to Quantum: A Journey Through the Fundamentals 

• Marucia Chacur – USP 
  Exploring Life: Principles of Cellular and Molecular Biology 

• Marcos César de Oliveira – Unicamp 
  Quantum Sensors and Their Applications in the Life Sciences 

• Pedro Pascutti – UFRJ 
  The Secret Life of Molecules: Computational Simulations and Quantum Modeling 

International seminars: 

Lectures by invited international scientists will take place in partnership with the IX Quantum Information Workshop, creating a space for vibrant interdisciplinary exchange: 

• Peter Hore – University of Oxford 
  Quantum Birds: a radical-pair magnetic compass mechanism 

• Clarice Aiello – Quantum Biology Institute 
  The tadpole experiment: how the development of life is affected by quantum physics 

• Paul Davies – Arizona State University 
  What Is Life? 

• Fabrisia Ambrosio – Harvard Medical School 
  A quantum-based model of muscle progenitor cell motility

A new chapter for science in Brazil: 

With participants already selected, the School of Quantum Biology marks the beginning of a new chapter for interdisciplinary science in Brazil. By investing in a new generation of researchers at the intersection of quantum physics and life sciences, the initiative aims to position Brazil as a hub for frontier research and global collaboration in this promising field. 

To learn more about the program and its vision, visit: escolabioquantica.com.br