How spatial organization can promote the formation of complex objects

This research project, to be undertaken during a 4-month internship at Arizona State University, aims to develop an artificial chemistry system to investigate the influence of pore system topology on molecular complexity, using Assembly Theory as a measure. The project’s significance lies in its potential to enhance our understanding of Assembly Theory, with implications for various industrial sectors, including pharmaceuticals, materials science, synthetic biology, and environmental science. By linking the research to the origin of life, the project could provide insights into new methods of carbon fixation/sequestration, crucial for addressing climate change. The project will also strengthen Canada’s innovation capacity by fostering expertise in the Origin of Life and Assembly Theory, areas currently underrepresented in Canadian research. Furthermore, it will create collaboration opportunities within Canada, linking research conducted in Canadian organizations with the origin of life research at ASU, and benefiting public and private sector partnerships in fields such as artificial intelligence and drug discovery.

Faculty Supervisor:

Paul Charbonneau

Student:

Partner:

Arizona State University

Discipline:

Physics

Sector:

Biotechnology; Life Sciences (not health); Pharmaceuticals

University:

Université de Montréal

Program: