The ability of birds to migrate 5,000 miles and return defies simple explanation, leading some scientists to consider the role of quantum mechanics in animal navigation. Northwestern University is co-hosting the Quantum Effects at the Biology and Innovation Interface (QBi2) 2026 consortium workshop, beginning October 19, to explore this emerging field and its potential to unlock biological mysteries. “Undoubtedly, when birds are born, they know what to do,” said Songi Han, a chemistry professor at Northwestern. “They fly 5,000 miles in one direction and know how to come back. It’s such a dramatic phenomenon.”
Quantum Biology Defined: “Quantum For” Versus “In” Biology
These proteins, which react to light, are central to understanding how quantum mechanics might influence biological systems, offering a pathway to observe and control fundamental life processes. Michael Wasielewski, director of Northwestern’s Institute for Quantum Information Research and Engineering (INQUIRE), will participate in a follow-up feature alongside Songi Han to discuss the future of this emerging field.
Songi Han distinguishes between two approaches within quantum biology: and The former uses quantum sensing to enhance biological understanding and investigation, a concept Han deems and largely uncontroversial. The latter, however, proposes that quantum effects directly drive biological processes, a notion that sparks debate among scientists, with bird navigation frequently cited as a prime example.
Han asserts, “Even though it is not entirely clear how it works, that’s one of the reasons why there’s no denying that quantum effects play a role in biology.” Wasielewski acknowledges the potential for controversy surrounding the field, but emphasizes the existence of “solid areas that are demonstrable.” He and Han both agree on the importance of distinguishing between using quantum tools to study biology and identifying quantum effects as intrinsic to biological mechanisms. The upcoming workshop at the Biohub in Chicago aims to explore these distinctions, focusing on how quantum properties within photoactive proteins can be observed and used to deepen our understanding of living systems. This focus on photoactive proteins represents a specific area of investigation within the broader field of quantum biology, allowing researchers to concentrate on measurable quantum phenomena.
Undoubtedly, when birds are born, they know what to do. They fly 5,000 miles in one direction and know how to come back. It’s such a dramatic phenomenon. Even though it is not entirely clear how it works, that’s one of the reasons why there’s no denying that quantum effects play a role in biology.
Songi Han, Mark and Nancy Ratner Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern
QBi2 2026 Consortium Focuses on Photoactive Proteins
Chemistry professors Songi Han and Michael Wasielewski, co-organizers of the event, detailed the distinctions within quantum biology, clarifying approaches that use quantum sensing versus those proposing quantum effects directly drive biological processes. Han, the Mark and Nancy Ratner Professor of Chemistry at Northwestern’s Weinberg College of Arts and Sciences, distinguished between employing quantum sensing to study biological systems, and where quantum effects actively influence biological function.
The collaborative effort between Han and Wasielewski stems from complementary expertise; Han’s background in magnetic resonance techniques combined with Wasielewski’s proficiency in time-resolved spectroscopy allows for a multi-faceted approach to studying fleeting quantum states within proteins. Han described a system where a protein converts light into mechanical action, noting a magnetic field could control a chemical process within it, and expressed excitement about applying time-resolved measurements to capture these processes.
Wasielewski added that maintaining quantum coherence presents a significant challenge, often requiring ultra-low temperatures to stabilize quantum states for observation and manipulation, though not always. Their partnership extends beyond the workshop, with the pair having recently co-authored a publication and proposed further joint projects.
Wasielewski noted that he was instrumental in recruiting Han to Northwestern, and that their combined experience positions them well to capitalize on the current momentum in quantum biology. “We’ve thought about these questions for a long time, and this is a time when things can come together,” Han concluded, emphasizing the potential for using decades of tool development to unlock new insights into the intersection of quantum science and biology.
Electron Spins and Quantum Coherence in Biological Systems
Electron spins, integral to converting light energy into stored charges, have been recognized as influencing biological processes for half a century, forming a foundation for understanding phenomena like avian magnetic reception. The underlying principle involves coherent spin pairs, linked properties allowing for quantum effects, and is now a central focus of investigation as scientists seek to define the limits of quantum influence within living systems.
These established examples demonstrate that quantum mechanics is not limited to the realm of physics, but actively participates in biological functions. The challenge lies in maintaining quantum coherence within biological systems, a feat complicated by the inherent “noise” of living environments. Traditional quantum research often relies on ultra-low temperatures to stabilize quantum states, aligning spins in materials like superconductors to minimize external interference and enable rapid generation and manipulation of these states.
However, the timescales relevant to biological processes, like chemical bond formation, demand a different approach, as even a microsecond of coherence can be sufficient for an electron spin to influence a decision regarding molecular interactions. Songi Han’s research diverges from this traditional methodology, using tools developed for studying biological systems to explore quantum sensing. “I don’t think five years ago I would have said I was doing anything related to quantum sensing,” Han stated, emphasizing a recent shift in focus driven by the capabilities of her existing instrumentation.
Her approach centers on reading out electron spin using nuclear spin, offering a unique angle on the investigation of quantum effects. This allows for a different perspective, using a distinct instrument to probe the same fundamental questions about quantum coherence in biological contexts.
Next week, Northwestern University and the University of Chicago will co-host a workshop series designed to address these experimental hurdles, bringing together experts to discuss how to study quantum phenomena within biological systems. Michael Wasielewski explained that the specific quantum property under investigation dictates the experimental approach, noting a shared interest with Han in electron spins and the importance of examining light absorption, emission and energy transfer at extremely short timescales. The workshop aims to bridge the gap between established quantum research techniques and the unique demands of biological inquiry, supporting a collaborative environment for advancing the field.
Han & Wasielewski Bridge Quantum Science and Biological Function
Wasielewski explains that experimental approaches to quantum biology are dictated by the specific quantum property under investigation, with both he and Han currently focused on electron spins. He notes that traditional quantum research often relies on controlling environmental variables, but biological systems present unique challenges to maintaining quantum coherence. Han’s recent shift toward quantum sensing stemmed from her existing work in developing tools for studying biological systems, allowing her to apply a novel approach to longstanding questions.
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