WHAT WE ASK

How does the environment shape quantum dynamics — and what are the fingerprints of non-classical behaviour?

We develop theoretical approaches to identify, understand and exploit quantum processes in open quantum systems, particularly where dynamics are non-Markovian and system–environment interactions are strong. Our work aims to reveal experimentally accessible signatures of non-classical behaviour and inform new experimental approaches.

Does quantum behaviour have functional consequences in biology?

We investigate the role of quantum processes in biomolecules and complex chemical systems, including energy and charge transfer, photosynthetic systems and molecular organisation. A central question is how experimentally observable quantum dynamics relate to biological function.

Can quantum technologies help us understand and control complex molecular systems?

We explore how emerging quantum technologies can be used to probe molecular dynamics that are difficult to access using classical approaches. This includes interactions between quantum light and complex biomolecules, as well as quantum simulation, quantum sensing and quantum-enabled computational methods.

WHAT WE ARE WORKING ON

Environmental fingerprints and the non-classicality of complex quantum dynamics

Can experimentally accessible quantum dynamics and correlations reveal properties of an unknown molecular environment — and provide evidence for the non-classical nature of joint system–environment dynamics?

Quantum contributions to photosynthetic energy transfer

How do electronic structure, molecular vibrations and protein environments shape energy-transfer dynamics? We develop approaches to quantify coherent contributions to these processes and ask how energy transfer changes when the surrounding environment is prepared with non-classical properties.

Entangled-photon activation of photoreceptors

We explore how quantum states of light — including entangled photons and squeezed states — can interact with and activate biological systems. This allows us to investigate the interface between quantum optics and biological function in new experimental regimes.