PenteQost Spring School on Quantum Science 2026
Dates: 22–26 May 2026
Location: University of Siegen, Germany
Registration deadline: 11 May 2026, 23:59 (Berlin time)
Apply here: [https://indico.physik.uni-siegen.de/event/853/registrations/361/]
Overview
PenteQost-26 is the third edition of the interdisciplinary and international undergraduate spring school on the Fundamentals of Quantum Science. Following the success of the inaugural event, the school will once again be hosted by the University of Siegen.
The school takes place from Friday afternoon, 22 May, to Tuesday noon, 26 May 2026, during the Pentecost weekend, minimizing overlap with regular semester lectures.
Undergraduate students from diverse backgrounds—including physics, mathematics, computer science, and electrical engineering—are invited to participate in an immersive program featuring lectures, interactive discussions, and collaborative sessions in an international academic environment.
Topics Covered
The school will cover a selection of core topics in modern quantum science and technology. Planned themes include:
- Quantum foundations and open quantum systems
- Quantum information theory and statistical methods
- Optimization and mathematical methods in quantum science
- Experimental quantum technologies and precision measurements
The final selection of topics will be announced once the full list of speakers is confirmed.
Lecturers
Confirmed speakers:
- Alessandra Colla (University of Freiburg) – works on the theory of open quantum systems and quantum thermodynamics, with a focus on non-equilibrium dynamics, irreversibility, and non-Markovian effects.
- María García Díaz (Universidad Politécnica de Madrid / MathQI, Universidad Complutense de Madrid) – works on quantum foundations and quantum information, with research interests including open quantum systems, quantum coherence, and quantum simulation.
Additional speakers will be announced.
Prerequisites
Basic knowledge of linear algebra and analysis is recommended. Familiarity with introductory quantum mechanics is helpful but not strictly required.
Suggested preparatory materials:
- Quantum Computation and Quantum Information, M. Nielsen & I. L. Chuang (Chapters 1–2)
- Quantum Computing for the Very Curious and Quantum Mechanics Distilled by A. Matuschak and M. Nielsen
- Introduction to Quantum Information Science by A. Ekert (Lectures 1–4)
Graduate students with advanced knowledge are welcome, but should note that the school is aimed at an introductory level.
Target Audience
- Undergraduate students in physics, mathematics, computer science, electrical engineering, and related fields
- Graduate students interested in a broad and foundational introduction to quantum science
Location and Travel
Siegen is centrally located in Germany, approximately 125 km from Frankfurt and 90 km from Cologne, with good train and road connections. Nearby international airports include Frankfurt, Cologne, and Düsseldorf.
Financial Support
Partial financial support will be available for selected students. Details will be communicated after the registration deadline.
Further Information
Registration: [https://indico.physik.uni-siegen.de/event/853/registrations/361/]
Website: [https://indico.physik.uni-siegen.de/event/853/]
Contact: penteqost@physik.uni-siegen.de
TL;DR
What: International spring school on the Fundamentals of Quantum Science
For whom: Undergraduate and graduate students in physics, mathematics, computer science, and related fields
When: 22–26 May 2026 (registration closes 1 May 2026)
Where: University of Siegen, Germany
Apply here: [https://indico.physik.uni-siegen.de/event/853/registrations/361/]
