MESS 2026: Quantum & Neuromorphic Optimization

[Mario F. Pavone]

Call for Participation (apologies for multiple copies)

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MESS 2026 - Metaheuristics Summer School
~ Emerging Computing Paradigms for Optimization:
from Quantum to Neuromorphic ~

6-10 July 2026, Catania, Italy

https://www.ANTs-lab.it/mess2026/
mess....@ANTs-lab.it
https://www.facebook.com/groups/MetaheuristicsSchool/
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** APPLICATION DEADLINE: 15th March 2026 **
https://www.ants-lab.it/mess2026/apply.html


MESS 2026 offers a deep dive into the frontiers of Quantum and Neuromorphic computing. The program explores the entire technological stack, covering architectures, programming models, and advanced algorithms for complex optimization. Through a blend of theoretical lectures and hands-on sessions, participants will gain the expertise to lead innovation in next-generation computational research.

The lectures will focus on the following topics for both quantum and neuromorphic computing: 1) architectures; 2) programming models; 3) optimization algorithms and applications; and 4) pratical work.

The school will involve a total of 36-40 hours of lectures; therefore, in according to the academic system, all PhD and master students attending the summer school will can get 8 ECTS points.


** LECTURERS

+ Siddhartha Bhattacharyya, VSB Tech. Un. Ostrava, Czech Republic
lecture1: "Introduction to Quantum Computing"
lecture2: "Quantum Neural Networks: From Quantum-Inspired Framework to Quantum-Gate Framework"

+ Philippe Lacomme, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, France
lecture1: "TBA"
lecture2: "TBA"

+ Elisa Donati, Institute of Neuroinformatics UZH/ETH
lecture1: "Neural networks and neural computing"
lecture2: "Neuromorphic Computing and Technology"

+ El-Ghazali Talbi, University of Lille, France
lecture1: "Neuromorphic computing: A gentle introduction"
lecture2: "Neuromorphic-based optimization: Algorithms based on metaheuristics and computational biology"

+ Jorge Cruz-Duarte & El-Ghazali Talbi, University of Lille, France
lecture1: "Neuromorphic-based optimization: Software framework under Lava and Nengo"


~ More Lecturers will be announced soon ~


** SHORT ORAL PRESENTATION

All participants may submit an abstract of their recent results, or works in progress, for presentation and having the opportunities for debate and interact with leaders in the field. The organizing committee will review the abstracts and will recommend the format of the presentation (oral or poster). All abstracts will be published in the electronic hands-out book of the summer school.

The Abstracts must be submitted during the application by *March 15, 2026*.


** MESS 2026 DIRECTORS:
- Salvatore Greco, University of Catania, Italy
- Mario Pavone, University of Catania, Italy
- Andrea Schaerf, University of Udine, Italy
- El-Ghazali Talbi, University of Lille1, France
- Daniele Vigo, University of Bologna, Italy


** MORE INFORMATION:

https://www.ANTs-lab.it/mess2026/   --   mess....@ANTs-lab.it
Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/MetaheuristicsSchool/