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

Program

Tentative Program 

Invited speakers 

• Victor V. Albert (NIST & UMD College Park, QuICS, USA)
• Thierry Bastin (Liège University, Belgium)
• Aaron Z Goldberg (National Research Council of Canada, Quantum and Nanotechnologies, Canada)
• Dardo Goyeneche (Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Chile)
• Frederic Holweck (University of Technology of Belfort Montbéliard, France)
• Felix Huber (University of Gdansk, Poland)
• Andrei Klimov (University of Guadalajara, Mexico)
• Christiane Koch (Freie Universität Berlin, Germany)
• Marek Kus (Polish Academy of Sciences, Center for Theoretical Physics, Poland)
• Daniel Lidar (University of Southern California, USA)
• Pérola Milman (Université Paris Cité, CNRS, France)^*
• 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

Call for applications

We are pleased to announce a call for contributed talks and posters. If you are interested, please complete the following Google form https://forms.gle/LcTTDxAK5E72Zmwp8

This link provides all the relevant information about the workshop and the application process.

Due to the limited capacity (up to 20 self-funded participants), we encourage you to apply promptly. Priority will be given to graduate students and early-career researchers.

Satellite event

We announce our satellite event 'International school on quantum information theory' which will take place on April 29-30, 2026, at the Institute of Nuclear Sciences, UNAM, in Mexico City. More details to be announced.

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)