The 4^th ICFO-UNAM-Uniandes Frontiers Research School is part of a series of schools organized jointly by ICFO - the Institute of Photonic Sciences, National Autonomous University of Mexico, and Universidad de los Andes. This school aims to inspire the next generation of researchers in light sciences and related technologies through engaging lectures, seminars, and in-person discussions with leading international scientists from the three institutions.

This year, the school celebrates the centenary of quantum mechanics by focusing on the interplay between quantum science and quantum and light-enabled technologies. This focus will introduce fundamental quantum phenomena and current research questions through the modern lens of controlled quantum systems, such as atomic arrays, 2D materials, and ultracold quantum gases. It will also explore central tools to probe and understand such as ultrafast spectroscopy, among other topics.

Participants will gain a strong understanding of basic concepts, an introduction to the current state of the art in these topics and have the opportunity to mingle with top scientists from leading institutions.  

The event will include lectures & seminars, discussion sessions, and student talks and poster session, where participants will have the opportunity to interact and present their own research. 

Lectures will be broadcast online and are open to interested students and researchers worldwide.   
 
SPIE@ICFO Chair Research Internships to conduct a project with an ICFO research group will be offered to select outstanding students attending the school. 

Lecturers: 

• Alonso Botero, Uniandes
• Andres de Luna, UNAM
• Cesar Cabrera, Universität Hamburg
• Daniel Finkelstein Shapiro, UNAM
• Daniel Sahagun, UNAM
• Darrick Chang, ICFO
• Jorge A. Seman, UNAM
• Julian Rincon, Uniandes
• Morgan Mitchell, ICFO
• Paula Giraldo, Uniandes
• Pedro Quinto, UNAM
• Ricardo Gutierrez, UNAM
• Rocio Jauregui, UNAM
• Roland Terborg, ICFO
• Rosario Paredes, UNAM
• Sarah Hirthe, ICFO
• Silvana Palacios, Nomadatomics

Location: 

The school will be locally organized by the Instituto de Física within the frame of celebrations for the International year of Quantum Science and Technology. Instituto de Física is at the main Campus of Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Ciudad Universitaria, in the southern part of Mexico City—one of the most vibrant and cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. 

Participants will be accommodated in hotels in the city center, with daily round-trip transportation provided by the school via dedicated buses.

Eligibility:   

We welcome applications from individuals worldwide with a variety of backgrounds, including optics, physics, mathematics, electronics, engineering, chemistry and biology.    

Candidates must have an excellent academic record, and a strong commitment for scientific research.    

Priority will be given to masters-level and advanced undergraduate students, although PhD students and young researchers are welcome to apply.    

Persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. There are no restrictions of citizenship or gender.  

How To Apply: 

Registration opens soon – Stay tuned! 

Applicants must submit: 

• A Curriculum Vitae, including contact details 
• Scanned copies of your complete (Bachelor and Master equivalent) University academic transcripts in English or Spanish 
• A one-page (max.) letter describing your background, research interests and motivation for attending the school. 
• Title & abstract for a proposed contributed talk or poster  

Applications must be submitted online and all required application material must be complete in order to be considered.  

The school registration will open soon. 

For any questions, please contact us at frontiers@icfo.eu.  

Note: If you are from a country with visa-obligations for Mexico, please be advised to already inquire (only inquire) regarding the documentation necessary (usually an invitation letter, plus travel and accommodation bookings) and the potential appointment-situation at the local Mexican Embassy/ visa-office.  

Research Internships: 

Up to two SPIE@ICFO Chair Research Internships to conduct a project with an ICFO research group will be offered to selected outstanding students attending the school.  

About: 

This school is the fourth ICFO-UNAM-Uniandes International School on the Frontiers of light. 
These schools aim at giving talented young researchers and students worldwide a first introduction to a thematic research area and a taste of an international research environment. These schools incorporate a dynamic and social learning environment beyond participating in lectures, including group discussions, direct interactions with the lecturers, student talks and poster presentations. 
The organizers do not tolerate any type of conduct or behaviour considered harassment or bullying and have a clear defined policy against harassment.

Participating Institutions:

ICFO – the Institute of Photonic Sciences, is a young research institution that aims to advance the very limits of the science and technology of light, tackling important challenges faced by society at large in all areas of life, including health, energy, information, safety, security and caring for the environment. ICFO is a member of BIST, the Barcelona Institute of Science and Technology.

The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) is one of the two largest universities in Latin America and it is often ranked as the best university in Iberoamerica. However, its biggest merit might be making education with high standards available to students originated from all socio-economic backgrounds within the country.  UNAM is also home to various research centers with an international scope. Two of them, the Centre for Applied Physics and Advanced Technology (CFATA) and the Institute of Physics (IFUNAM), are taking part in the organization of this school. 

Universidad de los Andes (Uniandes)  is an autonomous, independent, and innovative institution that fosters pluralism, tolerance, and respect for ideas. It strives for academic excellence and provides its students with critical and ethical training to strengthen their awareness of their social and civic responsibilities, as well as their commitment to their community. Specifically, the Department of Physics of the University of the Andes, that is taking part in the organization of this event, stands out for its emphasis on high-quality research, undergraduate, master’s and doctoral studies. The research lines offered by the department include High Energy Physics, Astronomy, Biophysics, Theoretical Physics, Condensed Matter and Quantum Optics.  

Organizing committee: 

Daniel Sahagun Sanchez, Ricardo Gutiérrez Jáuregui, Remy Fernand Avila Foucat, Dr. Ricardo Roman Ancheyta (UNAM), Alejandra Catalina Valencia Gonzalez (Uniandes), Robert Sewell, Giovanna Petrillo (ICFO)