V Patricio Letelier School on Mathematical Physics

The fifth edition of the Patricio Letelier School on Mathematical Physics at ICTP-SAIFR will focus on recent advances in the use of formal mathematical methods in quantum field theory and gravity. In particular, it will explore two key areas — operator algebras and matrix models — and their applications to the study of quantum fields, quantum gravity, and generalized symmetries.

Topics will include the use of algebraic methods to address problems such as symmetries and measurement, black hole thermodynamics, and entropy formulas, as well as the role of matrix models and topological recursion in understanding black hole spectra.

The School is primarily aimed at PhD students but will also be accessible and relevant to advanced undergraduate and master’s students, as well as early-career postdoctoral researchers.

Organizers:

• Giuseppe Dito (Université Bourgogne Europe, Dijon, France)
• Júlio Fabris (Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil)
• Dmitry Melnikov (International Institute of Physics, Natal, Brazil)
• Aleksandr N. Pinzul (University of Brasilia, Brasilia, Brazil)
• Dmitry Vasilevich (Federal University of ABC, Santo Andre, Brazil)
• Paulo Afonso Faria da Veiga (University of São Paulo, São Carlos, Brazil)

There is no registration fee and limited funds are available for travel and local expenses.

Click HERE for online application

Deadline: May 19, 2026

Lecturers

• Gaetan Borot (Humboldt University of Berlin, Germany) – Topological recursion
• Clifford Johnson (University of California Santa Barbara, USA) – Random matrix models and 2d gravity
• Javier Magan (Balseiro Institute, Argentina) – Generalized symmetries and subfactor theory
• Alejandro Perez (University Aix-Marseille, France) – From black hole thermodynamics to Planckian discreteness
• Kasia Rejzner (University of York, UK) – Algebraic quantum field theory: symmetries and measurement
• Antony Speranza (University of Amsterdam, Netherlands) – Gravitational von Neumann algebras

Click HERE for online application

Deadline: May 19, 2026

Venue: The event will be held at IFT-UNESP, located at R. Jornalista Aloysio Biondi, 120 – Barra Funda, São Paulo. The easiest way to reach us is by subway or bus, See arrival instructions here.

Accommodation: Participants whose accommodation will be provided by the institute will stay at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista. Hotel recommendations are available here.

Attention! Some participants in ICTP-SAIFR activities have received email from fake travel agencies asking for credit card information. All communication with participants will be made by ICTP-SAIFR staff using an e-mail “@ictp-saifr.org”. We will not send any mailings about accommodation that require a credit card number or any sort of deposit. Also, if you are staying at Hotel Intercity the Universe Paulista, please confirm with the Uber/Taxi driver that the hotel is located at Rua Pamplona 83 in Bela Vista (and not in Jardim Etelvina).

BOARDING PASS: All participants, whose travel has been provided or will be reimbursed by ICTP-SAIFR, should bring the boarding pass  upon registration. The return boarding pass (PDF, if online check-in, scan or picture, if physical) should be sent to secretary@ictp-saifr.org by e-mail.

Visa information: Nationals from several countries in Latin America and Europe are exempt from tourist visa. Nationals from Australia, Canada and USA are required to apply for a tourist visa.

Poster presentation: Participants who are presenting a poster MUST BRING A PRINTED BANNER . The banner size should be at most 1 m (width) x 1,5 m (length). We do not accept A4 or A3 paper.

Power outlets: The standard power outlet in Brazil is type N (two round pins + grounding pin). Some European devices are compatible with the Brazilian power outlets. US devices will require an adapter.