Summer School on Quantum Information Theory

Quantum Information Theory studies information as it appears in quantum systems. It starts from classical questions of how information can be encoded, transmitted, compressed, protected, or processed and reformulates them in the setting of quantum mechanics. In this setting, information is represented by quantum states, transformed by quantum channels, and accessed through measurements; features such as superposition and entanglement lead to possibilities and limitations that do not exist classically. The subject is therefore mathematical and information-theoretic at its core. Rather than focusing on the physical construction of quantum devices, QIT develops the concepts behind quantum communication, quantum error correction, cryptography, and the algorithmic aspects of quantum computing. In this sense, it can be seen as part of the “software” of quantum computers: it describes what such machines could in principle compute, communicate, and protect, and where their fundamental limits lie. 

A current example of the relevance of these questions is the discussion around a possible “Q-Day”, the hypothetical point at which quantum computers could threaten widely used classical cryptographic systems.

A solid background in linear algebra and one‑ and multivariable analysis is required. Except of that, the Summer School gives an introduction in the mathematical foundation you need to understand the more advanced lectures. No prior knowledge of physics is required.

There will be mini-lectures on the following topics:

• Mathematical Foundations of Quantum Information Theory (Prof. Dr. Moritz Weber)
• Quantum Computing (Prof. Dr. Mariami Gachechiladze)
• Quantum Algorithms and Complexity (Prof. Dr. Jonas Haferkamp)
• Quantum Error Correction (Prof. Dr. Peter Orth)
• Non‑local Games (Dr. Simon Schmidt)

Accommodation for the duration of the summer school will be provided by the organizers at Sportcampus Saar for students from other universities beyond Saarland University. A limited number of up to 50 beds is available and will be allocated to accepted participants on a first‑come, first‑served basis. Participants will be accommodated in shared rooms (2 or 4 people) located close to Saarland University or with convenient access to the campus and get free breakfast and lunch. The accommodation costs are fully covered by the summer school.

A limited amount of financial support for travel expenses will be available.  Participants may apply for partial reimbursement of travel costs. As both accommodation and travel support are limited, financial support cannot be guaranteed for all participants. Applicants are encouraged to indicate their need for travel support when applying.

T4EU participants may be eligible for additional travel support, see below.

Please note: Participation is also possible at your own expense!

Registration will open in the next weeks. The deadline is 31 October 2026. 

Please note that all applicants from outside Saarland University must provide a short letter of recommendation from a senior researcher, such as a professor or a postdoc.

The timetable will be uploaded at a later date.

Starting in the winter semester 2026/2027, the University of the Saarland will offer a new Master’s programme in Quantum Information Theory. Further information will soon be available.

The summer school is organized in partnership with Transform4Europe (T4EU). Therefore, up to 15 of the 50 available spots are reserved for students from universities that are part of the T4EU Alliance.

Moreover participants from T4EU Alliance universities will receive travel support of up to 200 EUR.