Summer School on Optical Communication 2026
About this Event
This programme offers valuable insights into the latest developments in optical communication – from fibre-based and optical wireless access networks to transmission technologies, network architectures, and emerging photonic approaches. Participants will learn from internationally recognised experts from both research and industry.
What you can look forward to:Expert Sessions (2–4 September)
Engaging talks covering key topics such as fibre transmission, access networks, optical wireless systems, and network planning and control.
Industry & Research Insights
Opportunities to gain exposure to real-world applications, innovative technologies, and cutting-edge research environments through invited speakers and potential site or lab visits.
Networking & Social Events
Take the opportunity to connect with fellow researchers, industry professionals, and peers through a series of social events designed to encourage networking, collaboration, and the exchange of ideas.
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
18:30 – Welcome Reception
Join us for an informal reception with finger food and refreshments, providing an excellent opportunity to meet other participants and begin building new connections.
Thursday, 3 September 2026
18:00 – Conference Dinner
Enjoy an evening of networking and conversation with colleagues from across academia and industry in a relaxed setting.
Catering Included
Coffee breaks, snacks, and lunch will be provided throughout the event.
Whether you’re a master’s student, PhD researcher, or early-career engineer, this Summer School is an opportunity to expand your knowledge, build connections, and gain inspiration for your future in optical communication.
Wednesday, September 2, 2026
8:45 – 9:00
Welcome & Opening Ceremony
Dr. Aleksandra Kaszubowska, Trinity College Dublin
9:00 – 10:15
Lecture 1: Optical Fibre Sensing – Principles, Methods and Data Processing
Dr. Mikael Mazur, Bell Labs
10:15 – 11:30
Lecture 2: Integrated Communication and Sensing
Dr. Kaida Kaeval, Tallinn University of Technology
11:30 – 11:45
Coffee Break
11:45 – 13:00
Lecture 3: Confluent Networks
Prof. Dan Kilper, Trinity College Dublin
13:00 – 14:15
Lecture 4: Optical Interconnect Technologies for AI Clusters
Prof. Ioannis Tomkos, University of Patras
14:15 – 15:15
Lunch Break
15:15 – 16:30
Lecture 5: Optical Networking for AI
Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou, University of Bristol
16:30 – 16:45
Coffee Break
16:45 – 18:00
Lecture 6: AI for Networks
Prof. Massimo Tornatore, Politecnico di Milano
Thursday, September 3, 2026
9:00 – 10:30
Lecture 1: Plenary Quantum Talk
Prof. Marko Loncar, Harvard University
10:30 – 10:45
Coffee Break
10:45 – 11:45
Panel Discussion
11:45 – 13:00
Lecture 2: Key Quantum Concepts – Entanglement, Superposition & Decoherence
Dr. Lanardo Bacciottini, University of Massachusetts
13:00 – 14:00
Lunch Break
14:00 – 15:15
Lecture 3: Control Plane for Quantum Networks
Dr. Rui Lin, Chalmers University of Technology
15:15 – 15:30
Coffee Break
15:30 – 16:45
Lecture 4: Applications of Quantum – QKD
Prof. Marco Lucamarini, University of York
Friday, September 4, 2026
9:00 – 13:00
Hackathon: Use of AI in Optical Communication
13:00 – 14:15
Lunch Break
Coffee breaks, snacks, and lunch will be provided throughout the event.
Whether you’re a master’s student, PhD researcher, or early-career engineer, this Summer School is an opportunity to expand your knowledge, build connections, and gain inspiration for your future in optical communication.
Further information on last year’s Summer School can be found here:
https://www.hhi.fraunhofer.de/en/summerschool2025.html
This year’s FRONT Workshop will take place at Trinity College Dublin on 1 September 2026; further details can be found here https://front-opticalnetworks-2030.eu/
This year’s FRONT Workshop will take place at Trinity College Dublin on 1 September 2026, with further details to be announced soon.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 75.00 to EUR 199.00
