What is consciousness, and how does it influence brain function? In this Virtual Quantum Cafe event—following a screening of Denis Villeneuve’s film Arrival—we will explore this fundamental question at the intersection of science and philosophy.

Our discussion will examine the intricate relationship between consciousness and brain function by addressing two complementary domains. On one side, we will consider human cognitive challenges concerning the nature of language, the perception of time, and the impact of consciousness on reality. On the other, we will reflect on the marvels of the biological world, including phenomena such as photosynthesis, olfaction, the magnetic orientation of birds, and neural functioning.

Notably, the 2007 discovery of quantum coherence in energy transfer during photosynthesis revealed that quantum physics may also leave its imprint on life and consciousness. This insight prompts the question: might quantum phenomena—such as entanglement and tunneling—play a role in cognitive processes as well? In this event, we will investigate these questions together.