Darwinian evolution, including variation, selection, and reproduction, is a key property of life as we know it. Probably, this process also played a big role in the origin of life: from a simple beginning, prebiotic molecules could grow in complexity and eventually develop into living systems.

Darwinian evolution requires three conditions. Firstly, there needs to be variation: differences between systems. Secondly, some variants need to be more successful than others, for instance because they are better at surviving or reproduction. Thirdly, heredity is required: properties need to be passed on during replication.

Especially this last requirement poses questions. How did the first molecules capable of self-replication and information transmittance originate? And how was replication sufficiently accurate to maintain properties, at the same time allowing for mistakes to happen that are needed for variation and evolution?

In this project, researchers use models to investigate what properties molecules need to replicate themselves. Also, it will be investigated how environmental factors influence those processes and how interactions between polymers can aid or disrupt the replication of information.