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.
Please note: Schedule is subject to change
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
17:00 – 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.
Accommodation & Visa Information
Please note that accommodation is not included as part of the workshop. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own accommodation.
For visa-related enquiries or requests for supporting documentation, please contact Nadia at [email protected].
We would also like to thank Aurora Telecom for their support of this year’s Summer School.
Wednesday, 2 September 2026
8:45–9:00
Welcome and Opening Ceremony
Prof. Dan Kilper, Trinity College Dublin
9:00–10:30
Lecture 1: Plenary Talk – Quantum
Prof. Marko Loncar, Harvard University
10:30–10:45
Coffee Break
10:45–12:00
Lecture 2: Confluent Networks
Prof. Dan Kilper, Trinity College Dublin
12:00–13:00
Panel Discussion: The Future of Quantum Communication
13:00–14:00
Lunch Break
14:00–15:15
Lecture 3: Key Quantum Concepts – Entanglement, Superposition and Decoherence
Dr Lanardo Bacciottini, University of Massachusetts
15:15–15:30
Coffee Break
15:30–16:45
Lecture 4: Control Plane for Quantum Networks
Dr Rui Lin, Chalmers University of Technology
Thursday, 3 September 2026
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: AI for Networks
Prof. Massimo Tornatore, Politecnico di Milano
13:00–14:00
Lunch Break
14:00–15:00
Panel Discussion: Optical Networks for Edge AI
15:00–16:15
Lecture 4: Applications of Quantum – QKD
Prof. Marco Lucamarini, University of York
16:15–16:30
Coffee Break
16:30–17:45
Lecture 5: Optical Interconnect Technologies for AI Clusters
Prof. Ioannis Tomkos, University of Patras
Friday, 4 September 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/
Accommodation & Visa Information
Please note that accommodation is not included as part of the workshop. Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own accommodation.
For visa-related enquiries or requests for supporting documentation, please contact Nadia at [email protected].
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
EUR 75.00 to EUR 199.00
