Quantum Key Distribution Summer School

Applications are open!

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.

Confirmed speakers:
Rotem Arnon (Weizmann Institute of Science)
Peter Brown (Télécom Paris)
Eleni Diamanti (CNRS & Sorbonne Université)
Thomas Jennewein (University of Waterloo)
Norbert Lütkenhaus (University of Waterloo)
Renato Renner (ETH Zürich)
Christian Schaffner (University of Amsterdam)

Participation fee: 450 CHF for Bachelor/Master/PhD students, 550 CHF for senior participants (postdocs etc.) 
This fee includes accommodation (shared/twin rooms), full-board and social events.

The summer school has a limited number of spots, therefore we will have to make a selection from the received applications.

Application deadline: April 15, 2026 (23:59 CEST)

This summer school is a biennial event which alternates with the QKD summer school that has been held at the Institute for Quantum Computing at the University of Waterloo for the past 15 years.

QKD Summer School is designed to equip graduate students and young postdoctoral fellows with a strong foundation in quantum communication, particularly quantum cryptography. Established in 2008 the school offers a series of lectures and interactive tutorials that cover both theoretical and experimental aspects of the field.

The workshop aims to

• foster independent research by providing participants with essential knowledge on modern quantum and classical cryptography, including their advantages, limitations and vulnerabilities.
• offer a unique opportunity to delve into the latest techniques and advancements in this rapidly evolving field.

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. The inaugural European QKD Summer School was held in Les Diablerets, Switzerland, in August 2024.Moving forward, this collaborative format will continue, with IQC hosting the school in Waterloo every two years, and the ETH-led team organizing the European edition in alternating years