Workshop — Thermodynamics and Kinetics of Chemical Reaction Networks: from Cell Metabolism to Design Principles for Synthetic Life

Living systems operate far from equilibrium, relying on a complex network of biochemical processes fueled by energy from their environment. However, this energy is often limited, and biochemical systems must use it efficiently to maintain robust functioning. Despite the critical role of chemical and metabolic networks in evolution, growth, and signaling, how energy constraints shape their behaviors or the full range of their emergent properties remain elusive. Addressing these open questions is essential for uncovering the fundamental principles that drive the complexity of life, and the link between energetic and cellular functions. By drawing on concepts from physics, we can better understand how living organisms optimize their limited energy resources and potentially apply these insights to the design of new materials with life-like properties. The aim of this workshop is to bridge different fields—stochastic thermodynamics, metabolic networks, and synthetic life—creating a connection among theoretical, computational, and experimental scientists to tackle these challenges.