Quantum physics has revolutionized humanity’s understanding of the universe, offering groundbreaking insights and introducing new mathematical approaches and fundamental concepts that at times feel straight out of science fiction. Despite remaining an incomplete theory, quantum physics has already led to remarkable applications in areas like quantum information theory, nanoscale physics, and quantum computing. Interestingly, the mathematical frameworks used for these applications also underpin the foundational principles of quantum mechanics. This shared mathematical foundation presents an exciting opportunity for cross-pollination of ideas, which can inspire fresh approaches and innovative breakthroughs.

This workshop brings together both emerging and established researchers working on the theoretical aspects of quantum theory—both its foundational and applied sides. By exploring the common mathematical methods used across these fields, we aim to advance cutting-edge applications while also deepening our understanding of quantum mechanics. We especially encourage researchers, including those in small groups and fast-growing fields, to build international connections and foster collaborations, particularly with researchers in Mexico. With a wide range of topics, from modern to lesser-known mathematical approaches, the workshop will offer participants a rich and diverse perspective, sparking new ideas for future research and collaboration. 

The Casa Matemática Oaxaca (CMO) will host the "The role of Geometry in Quantum Physics: Foundations and emerging Technologies" workshop in Oaxaca, Mexico, from May 3 to May 8, 2026. The CMO and the Banff International Research Station for Mathematical Innovation and Discovery (BIRS) in Banff, are collaborative Canada-US-Mexico ventures that provide an environment for creative interaction as well as the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and methods within the Mathematical Sciences, with related disciplines and with industry. The research station in Banff is supported by Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) and Alberta Technology and Innovation. The research station in Oaxaca is funded by UNAM and IIMAS.

Main topics

    Foundations of Quantum Mechanics
    Quantum information theory and quantum computation
    Geometrical and topological features of quantum systems

Invited speakers 

• Victor V. Albert (NIST & UMD College Park, QuICS, USA)^*
• Thierry Bastin (Liège University, Belgium)
• Yves Caudano (University of Namur, Belgium)
• Aaron Z Goldberg (National Research Council of Canada, Quantum and Nanotechnologies, Canada)
• Dardo Goyeneche (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile)
• Frédéric Holweck (University of Technology of Belfort Montbéliard, France)
• Andrei Klimov (University of Guadalajara, Mexico)
• Ronnie Kosloff (Institute of Chemistry the Hebrew University, Jerusalem, Israel)
• Marek Kuś (Polish Academy of Sciences, Center for Theoretical Physics, Poland)
• Katarzyna Macieszczak (University of Warwick, UK)^*
• Pérola Milman (Université Paris Cité, CNRS, France)^*
• Gerard Munné (University of Gdansk, Poland)
• Laura Rosales Zarate (Centro de Investigaciones en Óptica, Guanajuato, Mexico)
• Anna Sanpera (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Physics Department, Spain)
• Adam Sawicki (Polish Academy of Sciences, Center for Theoretical Physics, Poland)^*
• Andrea Valdés (Instituto de Física, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico)
• Salvador E. Venegas-Andraca (Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico)
• Lorenza Viola (Dartmouth College, Physics and Astronomy, USA)^*
• Karol Zyczkowski (Jagiellonian University, Krakow, Poland)

^* Online talk

Contributed talks and posters

• Colin Read (University of Liège, Belgium)
• Jofre Abellanet Vidal (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain)
• Paolo Abiuso (IQOQI Vienna, Austria)
• Luis Aragón Muñoz (Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, UNAM, México)
• Llorenç Balada Gaggioli (Czech Technical University, Czech Republic)
• Jack Davis (INRIA-Paris, France)
• Ana Gabriela Flores Delgado (Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, UNAM, México)
• Christian Louis Hanotel (HSE University, Moscow, Rusia)
• Jonathan Louvet (University of Liège, Belgium)
• Guillem Müller-Rigat (Jagiellonian University, Poland)
• Younes Naceur (ICFO, Barcelona, Spain)
• Valentina Rascón Barajas (Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, UNAM, México)
• Albert Rico (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain)
• Jordi Romero-Pallejà (Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain)
• Astghik Saharyan (University of Liège, Belgium)
• Matteo Scandi (Instituto de Física Teórica, Madrid, Spain)
• Igor Vázquez Mota (Instituto de Ciencias Nucleares, UNAM, México)

Program

Program overview  

Call for applications

We invite poster presentations. Due to the limited capacity (up to 20 self-funded participants), we encourage applying promptly.  Confirmations will be sent on a rolling basis. If you are interested in presenting a poster, please complete this form https://forms.gle/kR7V3JdgtWsMwpD89

Satellite event

We announce the satellite event Advanced School "Geometry in Quantum Physics", to be held on April 29-30, 2026, at the Institute of Nuclear Sciences, UNAM, in Mexico City.

The program consists of four short courses, aimed at graduate students and young researchers, delivered by

• Victor V. Albert (NIST & UMD College Park, QuICS, USA), online talk.
• Frederic Holweck (University of Technology of Belfort Montbéliard, France)
• Andrei Klimov (University of Guadalajara, Mexico)
• Marek Kuś (Polish Academy of Sciences, Center for Theoretical Physics, Poland)

Attendees will be asked to register online, but there is no registration fee.

Facilities

See https://www.birs.ca/cmo

Organizing committee

Eduardo Serrano-Ensástiga (University of Liège, Belgium)
Chryssomalis Chryssomalakos (Institute of Nuclear Sciences, UNAM, Mexico)
John Martin (University of Liège, Belgium)