Statistical Mechanics in Chemistry and Biology

Despite its great importance in understanding natural phenomena, applications of statistical mechanics in Chemistry and Biology are still an emerging area of research. This is especially true in India, primarily because of lack of exposure and training of students, on the great utility and strength of statistical mechanics. The subject is essential for understanding a wide range of phenomena in chemistry and biology, which include:

• Solvent effects on chemical reaction dynamics in liquids and within biological cells

• Phase transitions and nucleation, like the formation of raindrops and ice

• Experimental results in spectroscopy

• Protein folding and interactions of biological membranes with proteins

The list is endless. These are generally termed as macroscopic processes or phenomena. One way to address this is to get more exposure through conferences and schools.

The purpose of the present discussion meeting (Statistical Mechanics in Chemistry and Biology (SMCB)) is an attempt to provide such exposure. As online conferences are becoming more of a rule than an exception, we want to take advantage of the situation to organize such schools as the one being proposed and organized here. The emphasis of this school, which we call SMCB, shall be on bringing together young students and faculty, so that it becomes a forum for them, to argue, discuss and learn. We hope that a large number of students and faculty would participate and benefit from the high level of intellectual environment that the meeting shall serve to create.