Quantum & Neuromorphic Optimization: Last Seats @ MESS 2026

[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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** LAST SEATS AVAILABLE – APPLICATION & ABSTRACT DEADLINE: June 15, 2026 **
Apply Now Here: https://www.ants-lab.it/mess2026/apply.html


** Why Join MESS 2026?

Are you a PhD student, Postdoc, or Early-Career Researcher looking to pioneer the next generation of computational research?

MESS 2026 offers an intensive, high-impact deep dive into the frontiers of Quantum and Neuromorphic computing. This year, we explore the entire technological stack—from cutting-edge architectures and programming models to advanced optimization algorithms for complex, real-world problems.

Through a perfect blend of theoretical lectures and hands-on practical sessions delivered by world-class experts, you will gain the concrete skills needed to lead innovation in next-generation optimization.


** Key Benefits for Participants:

- Earn 8 ECTS Credits: the school features 36-40 hours of rigorous academic training, fully certified for PhD and Master curricula;
- Present Your Research: don't just listen— showcase your work! Submit an abstract of your current research or work-in-progress for an Oral or Poster Presentation. It’s the perfect stage to get valuable feedback from peers and seniors;
- Networking & Mentorship: connect directly with international leaders from both academia and industry (including IBM Research, NVIDIA, ETH Zurich, and more).


** School Lineup & Topics:

# QUANTUM COMPUTING:
+ 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"

+ Linsey Rodenbach, Quantum Computing at NVIDIA - Lectures TBA

+ Philippe Lacomme, Université Clermont-Auvergne, CNRS, France - Lectures TBA

# NEUROMORPHIC COMPUTING:
+ Irem Boybat, IBM Research Zurich, Switzerland - Lectures 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, University of Lille, France
lecture1: "Neuromorphic-based optimization: Software framework under Lava and Nengo"


** Call for Abstracts: Share Your Work!

We encourage all young researchers to submit a short abstract during the application process.
- Formats: Selected abstracts will be assigned as Oral Presentations or Posters.
- Publication: All accepted abstracts will be published in the official MESS 2026 Electronic Hand-out Book.
- Deadline: June 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 Lille, 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/