JUNIQ/EPIQ Spring School on Quantum Computing 2026

Spring School on Quantum Computing Algorithms

The five-day Spring School offers a hands-on introduction to developing and implementing algorithms on various quantum computing platforms — including gate-based systems and quantum annealers. Participants will work with real quantum hardware via the cloud-based JUNIQ platform and gain direct access to the resources of the Jülich Supercomputing Centre and its project partners.

The program is complemented by lectures from leading experts in academia and industry, covering fundamental concepts, practical use cases, and current developments in quantum computing. A poster session allows participants to present their own research interests or ongoing projects.

Topics & Content

• Introduction to gate-based quantum computing

• Introduction to quantum annealing

• Quantum simulation

• Formulating QUBO problems and Ising models

• Quantum Approximate Optimization Algorithm (QAOA)

• Error correction and error mitigation

• Classical vs. quantum optimization

• Cooling mechanisms in quantum processors

• Quantum computing with trapped ions

Participation, Application & Schedule

The Spring School is primarily aimed at PhD students in the early stages of their research in quantum computing but is also open to highly motivated applicants from related fields.

Location: Forschungszentrum Jülich, Building 16.4 (Rotunda), Room 301
Language: English
Participation Fee: Free of charge
Number of Participants: Maximum 24
Date: March 16–20, 2026, daily from 09:00–17:00

Application & Deadline

To complete your application, the following steps are required:

• Online registration via the event website

• Submission of a motivation letter and CV (in a single PDF) to:
  training-juniq@fz-juelich.de
  Subject: Motivation Letter Spring School 2026

Application deadline: February 28, 2026
Successful applicants will be notified by email.

Included Services

• Access to lectures and hands-on sessions

• Small-group mentoring by experts

• Lunch and coffee/tea on all days

• Dinner on the first and last evening

• Excursion to the historic city center of Aachen

• Public transportation ticket for the Aachen–Jülich region (valid all week)

Note: Accommodation is not included and must be arranged individually. Recommended locations include Jülich (e.g., Stadthotel, Hotel Hexenturm), Düren, or Aachen (close to the central train station).