School on Analytical and Numerical Methods for Disordered Quantum Systems

The dynamics of information in closed many-body systems is a cornerstone of modern physics, bridging disciplines from thermalization and black hole thermodynamics to quantum information processing. Despite extensive study into how disorder suppresses scrambling, the existence and stability of the Many-Body Localized (MBL) phase remain among the most challenging questions in theoretical research.

This school is designed to transition participants from advanced undergraduate quantum mechanics to active research in quantum disordered systems. Students will engage with the challenges of the exponentially large Hilbert space and master the sophisticated analytical and numerical tools required to navigate it.

Four specialized courses provide a comprehensive overview of state-of-the-art methodologies. Prioritizing the principle of “learning by computing,” the program bridges abstract theory and practical implementation through:

• In-depth lectures on state-of-the-art research approaches
• Dedicated exercise sessions focused on concrete physical problems
• Development of the computational and analytical toolkit required in modern research.

Organizers:

• Rui Aquino (ICTP-SAIFR)
• Tobias Micklitz (Centro Brasileiro de Pesquisas Físicas)
• Dario Rosa (ICTP-SAIFR)

Announcement:

Click HERE for online application (opening soon)

Deadline: June 14, 2026

Lecturers

• Bruno Bertini (University of Birmingham): Dual unitary circuits (provisional title).
• Tobias Micklitz (CBPF): Effective field theory approaches to quantum chaotic and disordered systems (provisional title).
• Dario Poletti (Singapore University of Technology and Design): MPS algorithms and beyond (provisional title).
• Lea F. Santos (University of Connecticut): Random Matrices and Many-Body Quantum Systems: Dynamics and Thermalization

Announcement:

Click HERE for online application (opening soon)

Deadline: June 14, 2026

TBC

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. Check for some helpful information here.

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.

Security issues: Although São Paulo is a relatively safe city, be careful when using cellphones on the street, avoid isolated areas at night, and be aware when crossing the street that cars may not stop for pedestrians. Also, please do not leave valuable items like laptops unattended even for short breaks. At the IFT-UNESP, there are storage lockers available and keys can be obtained with our secretaries for a small deposit.