The 2nd International Quantum Horizons Symposium

Banff, Alberta, Canada

July 22-24, 2026

Pursuing the untold potential of quantum science

Pursuing the untold potentials of quantum science:
The 2nd International Quantum Horizons Symposium

Join us at the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity from July 22–24, 2026, for a deep dive into the next era of quantum discovery.  Hosted by Quantum Horizons Alberta, this symposium serves as a premier global stage for visionary thinkers and leading experts to share groundbreaking research.

Against the stunning backdrop of the Canadian Rockies, we aim to catalyze the conversations that will define the future of the field.  Beyond our invited talks, the heart of the symposium lies in our dedicated poster sessions, designed to spark collaborative breakthroughs and rigorous discussion across all disciplines of quantum science.

Secure Your Place!  With limited capacity to ensure high-quality interactions, early registration is encouraged.

  • Registration Fee: CA$600 (includes full program and snacks; students and postdocs may be eligible for accommodation coverage)

  • Deadline: Sunday, June 14, 2026 (12:00 PM MDT), CLOSED

  • Reserve your accommodation at the Banff Centre at reservations@banffcentre.ca with the code “QHC2607”.

    Questions? Check out our FAQs for more details!

Program

Invited Speakers

In surname alphabetical order

Stephon Alexander (Brown University)

  • Complex Chern Simons Theory and Quantum Cosmology

Robert Brandenberger (McGill University)

  • Emergent Space-Time from a quantum mechanical matrix model

Tomáš Bzdušek (University of Zurich)

  • Multigap insulators: From nodal braids to topological photovoltaics

Giulio Chiribella (University of Hong Kong)

  • Bell-like inequalities for indefinite causal order

Riccardo Comin (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Spectroscopy of quantum geometry

Frank Hegmann (University of Alberta)

  • Exploring ultrafast quantum dynamics down to the atomic scale

Jorge Hirsch (University of California, San Diego)

  • Superfluidity and quantum pressure

Keshav Dasgupta (McGill University)

  • Towards construction of a non-supersymmetric string theory

Artur Izmaylov (University of Toronto)

  • Approximate symmetries for quantum chemistry on a quantum computer

Steven Johnston (University of Tennessee, Knoxville)

  • Chiral orders in 1/3rd monolayers of Sn on a Silicon substrate

Anupam Mazumdar (University of Toronto)

  • Witnessing the quantum natured gravity in a lab

Daniel Lidar (University of Southern California)

  • Demonstrations of quantum speedup using noisy quantum hardware

Allan MacDonald (University of Texas at Austin)

  • Hitchhikers Guide to Rhombohedral Graphene

Mio Murao (University of Tokyo)

  • Quantum learning with higher-order quantum computation

Barry C Sanders (University of Calgary)

  • Relativistic quantum computing

Christoph Simon (University of Calgary)

  • Could the brain be a quantum computer?

Urbasi Sinha (University of Calgary/Raman Research Institute)

  • Experimental Probes of Quantum Foundations

Steve White (University of California, Irvine)

  • Unusual energy spectra of matrix product states

Elie Wolfe (Perimeter Institute)

  • Quantum foundations and causal inference

Emily Zhang (Stanford University)

  • Hall conductivity reveals the nature of quantum coherence in strongly correlated metals

Xinan Zhou (University of Chinese Academy of Sciences)

  • Cosmological Correlators Using Tensor Networks

Kathryn Zurek (California Institute of Technology)

  • Quantum Gravity in a Causal Diamond

Italic = to be confirmed
Last updated: July 7, 2026

Plan Your Trip to Banff

Venue & Accommodations

Location:

Banff Centre,
107 Tunnel Mountain Drive, Banff, AB T1L 1H5

Event Dates:

July 22–24, 2026

Accommodation Details:

  • $320 per night (tax excluded)

  • Attendees are responsible for booking their own accommodations.

  • Please note that conference registration fees are separate.

How to make a reservation?

Getting to Banff

Traveling from Calgary International Airport to Banff is easy and convenient. Shuttle services, such as the Banff Airporter, provide reliable transportation directly to Banff.

Explore the Surrounding Areas:

  • Lake Louise: Known for its stunning turquoise waters.

  • Yoho National Park: Home to breathtaking waterfalls and hiking trails.

  • Kootenay National Park: Explore diverse landscapes and natural hot springs.

Plan your trip and make the most of your time in the Canadian Rockies!

Travel to Banff

Thank you to our Sponsors

Organizing Committee

  • Heliudson Bernardo

    University of Lethbridge

  • Igor Boettcher

    University of Alberta

  • Saurya Das (Chair)

    University of Lethbridge

  • Daya Gaur

    University of Lethbridge

  • Frank Marsiglio

    University of Alberta

  • Dennis Salahub

    University of Calgary

  • Carlo Maria Scandolo

    University of Calgary

  • Aninda Sinha

    University of Calgary/IISc

Contact US

We, at Quantum Horizons Alberta, respectfully acknowledge that we are situated on the traditional territories of the Siksika, Kainai, Piikani, Tsuut’ina, Îyârhe Nakoda, Nehiyaw, Dëne Sųłiné, Dane-zaa, Nakota Sioux. These lands are subject to Treaties 4,6,7,8, and 10, and have long served as meeting grounds, travel routes, and gathering places for many diverse First Nations, including the Anishinaabe and Haudenosaunee, as well as Métis and Inuit peoples. We recognize all these Nations and communities, whose rich histories, languages, cultures, and traditions continue to thrive and are key to the enrichment of all our communities.

Code of conduct:‍ ‍All participants, including attendees and organizers, will treat each other with respect and conduct themselves in a professional manner that is welcoming to everyone and free from any form of discrimination or harassment. Discriminatory or harassing behavior or actions of any kind will not be tolerated. If you believe that you have been subject to or have witnessed behavior that violates this code of conduct, please report it immediately to the organizers.