About the Speaker

Susana Huelga is a quantum physicist. Her work focuses on the dynamics of open quantum system, with an emphasis in understanding under which precise conditions do quantum features persist in systems subject to environmental noise and identifying which mechanisms underpin persistent coherent behaviour. This research line started already during her PhD at Oviedo University where she investigated optical tests of fundamental quantum behaviour, her first contact with the work of John Bell. Following postdoctoral appointments at Oxford and Imperial College, she became a reader at the University of Hertfodshire and moved to Germany in 2009 to take up a professorship at Ulm University. Susana is currently part of the Centre of Quantum BioScience, a collaborative institution that brings together internationally leading research teams from the fields of Theoretical Physics, Experimental Quantum Optics, Organic Chemistry and Molecular Virology.

Running Order

12.30pm - Introduction from Professor Chris Johnson, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast

12.35pm - 'Coherent effects in biological processes. A new twist for Bell-type arguments' - Keynote address from Professor Susana Huelga

1.05pm - Q&A Session, hosted by Professor Mauro Paternostro, Head of School of Maths and Physics, Queen's University Belfast

1.30pm - Close by Professor Gerry McKenna, Vice President of the Royal Irish Academy