The student from Rio Gabriela Frajtagaged 20, was awarded in a international competition of articles that discussed the relationship between physics quantum and biology.
Recently graduated, she was the only Brazilian among the winners of the competition promoted by Foundational Questions Institute (FQxI)in partnership with the Paradox Science Institute and with support from
In total, 97 texts were sent by participants from six continents, including academics, doctors, scientists and students. Eight authors were awarded and shared US$53,000 — around R$300,000.
The top three placed received 80% of the total amount. Gabriela received the Special Graduation Prize, worth US$3,000 (approximately R$16,000), for having participated even during graduation.
The Brazilian’s article, entitled , analyzes the historical evolution of the area and discusses what she calls the “quantum of biology” — the minimum set that a living system would need to generate or explore to obtain an adaptive advantage.
Winning an international award was a big surprise. It is something that will not only add to my career, but also makes me believe more in my ability as a scientist.
The theme of this edition was the call, a field that investigates whether quantum phenomena can play a relevant role in living systems. According to the scientific director of FQxI, David Sloan, the award-winning texts offer an overview of the field and reinforce the need to expand research in the area.
The interface between quantum physics and biology gained prominence in 1944, when the Austrian physicist Erwin Schrödinger published the book “What Is Life? The Physical Aspect of the Living Cell”. One of the founders of quantum mechanics, Schrödinger formulated his equation in 1925. In reference to the centenary, 2025 was declared by UNESCO as the International Year of Quantum Science and Technology.
First place, in a tie, went to Samuel Morriss, a doctor in Australia, and Connor ThompsonPhD student at the University of British Columbia, Canada. Other participants also received second and third places and honorable mentions.
Created in 2006 by physicists Max Tegmark and Anthony Aguirre, FQxI funds exploratory research in the physical sciences and has awarded more than US$29 million in grants for projects in different areas.
