The Foundational Questions Institute and the Paradox Science Institute partnered to organize an essay competition inviting thought-provoking essays on quantum biology.

To stimulate new thinking at the frontiers of quantum biology, the Foundational Questions Institute, in partnership with the Paradox Science Institute, has successfully conducted an essay contest which asked “How Quantum is Life?”. On February 14th, 2026, the eight winners of the contest were announced. The essay contest had encouraged authors to delve deeper into unravelling the role of quantum mechanics in living matter, including our brain and consciousness. The winning essays covered topics as diverse as quantum effects at the level of enzymes and viruses to medically relevant considerations of quantum bio-phenomena at the level of human skin. This included future possibilities such as quantum bioengineering for enhancing living properties in the context of medical advances. Furthermore, winning essays also addressed the question of how biologically-relevant quantum effects might occur despite the warm temperatures of living systems––a long-standing criticism in this area of research. In all, the winning essays helped increase the recognition of this nascent field of research. On this basis, new research projects and methodologies can be developed for accelerating progress in understanding the role of quantum phenomena in living systems, including brain processes and, possibly, the emergence of consciousness. For the winning essays click this link.