Thermality in Quantum Field Theory in Curved Spacetimes

The Fulling–Davies–Unruh effect is one of the most paradigmatic predictions of quantum field theory in curved spacetimes. It states that while an inertial observer might freeze in the Minkowski vacuum, an accelerated observer might find themselves burning up in the same quantum state. Not only does this effect challenge our usual notion of the “particle” as a central object in fundamental physics, but it also points toward the possibility of deeper connections between quantum theory, thermodynamics, and spacetime.

2026 marks the fiftieth anniversary of Unruh’s seminal paper on acceleration-induced thermality. Over the last five decades, many developments have advanced the understanding of thermality in quantum field theory in curved spacetimes. It is thus with great joy that we join this August to celebrate fifty years of achievements.

In a bold attempt to address fifty years of progress in five days, we will discuss topics including the Fulling–Davies–Unruh effect and related predictions, entropy and entanglement in QFT, applications of Tomita–Takesaki modular theory, experimental prospects for measuring thermality, and much more.

• Bruno Arderucio Costa (Troy University, USA)
• Daine L. Danielson (MIT and Harvard University, USA)
• Níckolas de Aguiar Alves (Federal University of ABC, Brazil)
• Ricardo Correa da Silva (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
• Caio César Evangelista Rodrigues (Federal University of Ceará, Brazil)
• Rafael Grossi e Fonseca (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
• André G. S. Landulfo (Federal University of ABC, Brazil)
• Gabriel Santos Menezes (University of São Paulo, Brazil)
• Giorgio Torrieri (State University of Campinas, Brazil)

Click HERE for online application

Deadline: June 12, 2026

Speakers

• Horacio Casini (Centro Atómico Bariloche, Argentina)
• Claudio Dappiaggi (U. Pavia, Italy)
• Paul C. W. Davies (Arizona State U., USA)
• Stephen A. Fulling (Texas A&M U., USA)
• Eduardo Martín-Martínez (Perimeter Institute and Waterloo U., Canada)
• Maurício Richartz (UFABC, Brazil)
• William G. Unruh (U. British Columbia, Canada)
• Robert M. Wald (U. Chicago, USA)

Announcement:

Click HERE for online application

Deadline: June 12, 2026

TBA

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.