Applications Open for the CERN–MPQ–UIBK School on Quantum Simulation of Fundamental Physics 2026

From 17 August to 4 September 2026, CERN will host the first edition of the CERN–MPQ–UIBK School on Quantum Simulation of Fundamental Physics, a three-week advanced training programme dedicated to quantum simulation methods and their applications to high-energy and many-body physics.

The school is organised by Next Generation Triggers (NGT) and the CERN Quantum Technology Initiative (QTI), in collaboration with MPQ, UIBK, DESY, IFIC, Heidelberg, and industry partners.

Quantum simulation is becoming an increasingly powerful framework for exploring complex quantum systems that challenge classical computational approaches. From lattice gauge theories to real-time dynamics and strongly correlated many-body systems, new quantum platforms are opening research directions that were previously inaccessible.

This school aims to introduce key theoretical foundations while providing practical exposure to the tools and platforms driving progress in the field.

The programme combines:

  • Morning lectures
  • Afternoon exercise sessions
  • Supervised group projects

The objective is to develop both conceptual understanding and practical familiarity with state-of-the-art quantum simulation techniques.

Scientific Programme

The curriculum is structured around six courses delivered over three weeks:

First Week

  • Pilar Hernández (IFIC, Valencia) — Introductory Lattice Gauge Theory
  • Juan José García-Ripoll (CSIC, Madrid) — Quantum simulator implementations

Second Week

  • Harvey Meyer (CERN-TH, Geneva) — Advanced topics in Lattice Gauge Theory
  • Stefan Kühn (DESY, Zeuthen) — Tensor networks

Third Week

  • Aleksas Mazeliauskas (Heidelberg) — Introductory Heavy-Ion physics and QCD thermalisation
  • Yuan Su (Amazon, t.b.c.) — Quantum algorithms for real-time evolution

Core topics include:

  • Lattice Gauge Theory (introductory and advanced)
  • Quantum simulation platforms (AMO systems, trapped ions, cold atoms, superconducting qubits)
  • Tensor network methods and classical simulation techniques
  • Basics of heavy-ion physics
  • Quantum algorithms for real-time evolution

Format and Participation

  • Location: CERN, Geneva (Building 13/2-005)
  • Dates: 17 August – 4 September 2026
  • Format: In person
  • Target audience: PhD students and early-career postdoctoral researchers
  • Capacity: Maximum 50 participants
  • School fee: 50 CHF
  • Application deadline: 1 July 2026
  • Indico page:https://indico.cern.ch/event/1623729

The target audience is PhD students and early-career researchers working at the intersection of quantum technologies and fundamental physics are encouraged to apply. The limited number of participants ensures an interactive format with close engagement between lecturers and participants.