The coordinated effort in quantum information technology research and development in the United States, intensified by the National Quantum Initiative (NQI), has led to the increased interest in quantum effects that are relevant to biology. On the one hand, emerging quantum technologies offer unprecedented advantage for sensing. New quantum-enhanced measurement modalities are being harnessed for medicine and biotechnologies (“quantum for bio”). On the other hand, in-vitro biocompounds exhibit profoundly quantum effects. If these quantum effects survive in living cells, quantum mechanics might be used by biology for function (“quantum in bio”). The potential of harnessing such endogenous quantum effects for theranostics justifies intensified research in the field. The panel features key representatives of Federal Agencies who are tasked with implementing the NQI in areas where physics and biology interface. Don’t miss your chance to hear their take firsthand and get the opportunity to share your opinion on this fascinating issue!

Moderator

Paige Derr Scientist National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS) (United States)

Panelists

Afrouz Anderson Program Director for the Division of Applied Science and Technology National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) (United States)

Dominique M. Dagenais Program Director in the Electronics, Photonics and Magnetic Devices National Science Foundation (NSF) (United States)

Barbara Goldstein Associate Director National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST), Physical Measurement Laboratory (PML) (United States)

Paul Sammak Biophysicist Department of Education (DOE), Biological Systems Scientific Division (United States)

Geetha Senthil Deputy Director National Institutes of Health (NIH), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), Office of Special Initiatives (OSI) (United States)