Event List

Most systems of scientific interest are interacting many-body systems. One typically describes their kinetics in terms of a low-dimensional reaction coordinate, which in general is influenced by the entire system. The dynamics of such a reaction coordinate is governed by the generalized Langevin equation (GLE), an integro-differential stochastic equation, and involves a memory function [1]. I discuss a few examples where the GLE can be used to interpret and model data in different fields of science. Protein-folding kinetics is often described as Markovian (i.e., memoryless) diffusion in a one-dimensional free energy landscape. By analysis of large-scale molecular-dynamics simulation trajectories of fast-folding proteins from the Shaw group using the special-purpose computer ANTON, I demonstrate that the friction characterizing protein folding exhibits significant memory with a decay time that is of the same order as the folding and unfolding times [2]. Memory friction effects lead to anomalous and drastically modified protein kinetics [3]. For the set of proteins for which simulations are available, it is shown that the folding and unfolding times are not dominated by the free-energy barrier but rather by the non-Markovian friction. Memory effects are also present for non-equilibrium systems. Using an appropriate non-equilibrium formulation of the GLE, it is demonstrated that the motion of living organisms is characterized by memory friction, which allows to characterize internal feedback loops of such organisms and to classify and sort individual organisms [3]. The GLE can be even used to predict complex phenomena such as weather data

Audience: researchers faculty postgraduates

Topics: data_science biomedical_engineering physics molecular_biology meteorology

The field of active matter, bridging biology, chemistry, and physics, has grown rapidly in recent years, revealing a wealth of phenomena at both the single- and many-particle levels. While this effort has been overwhelmingly devoted to classical systems, it is natural to ask whether active motion can also emerge in the quantum regime—a question that opens new avenues at the intersection of quantum physics, nonequilibrium dynamics, and statistical mechanics. This workshop brings together researchers to explore these questions, share recent developments, and discuss future challenges in the study of quantum active matter.

Audience: researchers

Topics: chemistry physics biotechnology molecular_biology

12th International Conference on Biological Physics June 28 – July 3 2026 Magazzini del cotone, Genoa, Italy We proudly invite experts in biological physics worldwide to the International Conference on Biological Physics 2026 (ICBP 2026) in the magnificent Italian city of Genoa from June 28 to July 3, 2026. The Italian Society of Pure and Applied Biophysics (SIBPA) is privileged to organise this meaningful conference under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). Specifically, the Commission on Biological Physics (C6), established by IUPAP in 1990, aims to promote the exchange of information and views among the members of the international scientific community in the general field of Biological Physics.

Audience: faculty researchers

Topics: molecular_biology physics

12th International Conference on Biological Physics June 28 – July 3 2026 Magazzini del cotone, Genoa, Italy We proudly invite experts in biological physics worldwide to the International Conference on Biological Physics 2026 (ICBP 2026) in the magnificent Italian city of Genoa from June 28 to July 3, 2026. The Italian Society of Pure and Applied Biophysics (SIBPA) is privileged to organise this meaningful conference under the auspices of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). Specifically, the Commission on Biological Physics (C6), established by IUPAP in 1990, aims to promote the exchange of information and views among the members of the international scientific community in the general field of Biological Physics.

Audience: researchers

Topics: biomedical_engineering physics molecular_biology

The International Symposium on Very High Energy Cosmic Ray Interactions (ISVHECRI) is a biennial conference series supported by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). Its primary objective is to provide a forum for the discussion of very high energy interactions for the interpretation of cosmic ray data based on the information available from both accelerator and cosmic ray experiments. This unique series brings together cosmic ray physicists and scientists involved with high energy accelerators and colliding beam facilities

Audience: researchers

Topics: physics