Quantum Key Distribution Summer School 2026

The international Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) Summer School is a five-day program focused on theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum communication with a focus on quantum cryptography. Since 2023, the QKD Summer School has become a biennial event in Waterloo, alternating each year with a European edition organized by the ETH Zurich group.

While classical cryptographic schemes always have to fear the risk of being broken, in particular with the possibility that quantum computers are built, quantum cryptography promises unconditional security solely based on the laws of physics. This field of research is currently in an exciting phase in which theoretical concepts and ideas are not only experiencing the transition to experimental implementations, but are also attracting the interest of industry.

The Quantum Key Distribution Summer School is a five-day programme on theoretical and experimental aspects of quantum cryptography that aims at providing high-level training to young researchers entering this field. The goal is to equip them with a solid foundation in relevant approaches and techniques, enabling them to pursue their own independent research. The school takes place in the beautiful mountain village of Les Diablerets in Switzerland.

This school is mainly aimed at Master students and PhD students. Since quantum cryptography is an interdiciplinary field, it is suitable for students with backgrounds in mathematics, physics, computer science or related fields. However, to follow the lectures a basic knowledge of quantum mechanics is required.