From digital puzzles to space simulations, play has become a major arena for creation, innovation, and reflection. Through a curated selection of video games, history books, essays, and academic research, the Library invites you to discover the many dimensions of games and gaming culture. Borrow the documents and keep the experience going at home!
","image_description":"CC-BY-NC-SA EPFL Library","creation_date":"2026-03-18T09:56:25","last_modification_date":"2026-03-18T09:56:55","link_label":"Sélection documentaire en ligne","link_url":"https://slsp-epfl.primo.exlibrisgroup.com/discovery/collectionDiscovery?vid=41SLSP_EPF:prod&collectionId=8196759420005516&lang=fr","canceled":"False","cancel_reason":"","place_and_room":"Espace Découverte","url_place_and_room":"","url_online_room":"","spoken_languages":["https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/spoken_languages/1/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/spoken_languages/2/?format=json"],"speaker":"","organizer":"EPFL Library","contact":"library@epfl.ch","is_internal":"False","theme":"","vulgarization":{"id":1,"fr_label":"Tout public","en_label":"General public"},"registration":{"id":3,"fr_label":"Entrée libre","en_label":"Free"},"keywords":"Jeux, jeux vidéo, théorie des jeux","file":null,"icalendar_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/event/export/120117/","category":{"id":5,"code":"EXPO","fr_label":"Expositions","en_label":"Exhibitions","activated":true},"academic_calendar_category":null,"domains":[],"mementos":["https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/1/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/3/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/5/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/6/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/8/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/145/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/275/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/22/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/27/?format=json"]},{"id":70066,"title":"Tremblement - by Séverin Guelpa","slug":"tremblement-by-severin-guelpa","event_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/event/tremblement-by-severin-guelpa","visual_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/image/31529/200x112.jpg","visual_large_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/image/31529/720x405.jpg","visual_maxsize_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/image/31529/max-size.jpg","lang":"en","start_date":"2025-10-10","end_date":"2026-04-26","start_time":null,"end_time":null,"description":"Depuis 2011, le CDH-Culture invite un·e artiste à présenter une œuvre en relation avec le Rolex Learning Center. Cette année, Séverin Guelpa, artiste basé à Genève, travaillant entre le Valais (les glaciers), les Etats-Unis (les déserts) et le Chili (Salar d’Atacama), propose une série de grandes sculptures évoquant les tremblements - géologiques, politiques ou écologiques - qui secouent notre monde.
\r\n
\r\nL’artiste a récupéré des pierres dans une carrière suisse, il ajoute des éléments réfléchissants, il compose avec des déchets métalliques et du bois de charpente. Ces œuvres, en équilibre-déséquilibre, manifestent les forces et les tensions, ainsi que les chutes, les glissements et les catastrophes possibles. Ces œuvres font aussi référence, de près ou de loin, aux événements intervenus récemment dans les villages de Blatten (Valais) ou de Brienz (Grisons), désormais célèbres pour leurs impressionnants glissements de terrain.
\r\n
\r\nElles interprètent librement cette période mouvementée que nous traversons et qui nous oblige à réfléchir à nos propres limites. Comme un écho à la période de turbulences que nous traversons, elles réfléchissent une forme de précarité, d’imprévisibilité ou encore de fragilité. Les morceaux d’acier poli interagissent directement avec le Rolex Learning Center qu’ils mettent en scène dans le tourbillon du monde.
\r\n
\r\nTremblement aborde des questions constructives mais aussi humaines et collectives. A l’allure à la fois technique et fragile, ces sculptures consistent en des mises en tension de matières et de formes, comme maintenues en équilibre par l’énergie de leur mise en œuvre. Ces éléments seront réalisés en collaboration avec différentes entreprises locales, dont une scierie du Val de Bagne, une carrière de la vallée du Rhône, une entreprise de façades métalliques à Fribourg et une autre de vitres à Bulle. A chaque fois, il s’agira au possible de recourir à des chutes de production ou à du bois issu d’abattage après tempête. Bois et pierre renvoient aux matières premières, métal et câble aux gestes et à la manutention humaine.
\r\n
\r\nVernissage le jeudi 9 octobre 2025 à 18h
\r\nExposition à voir jusqu'au 26 avril 2026
\r\nEntrée libre
\r\n
\r\nCette exposition bénéficie de l'apport généreux des partenaires suivants que nous remercions:
\r\nMTA Carrière (St-Léonard)
\r\nROCPAN SA et RAY SA (Givisiez)
\r\nScierie de la Rippe SARL
\r\n
\r\n---
\r\n
\r\nL’ARTISTE
\r\nExplorateur des espaces extrêmes, observateur des actions humaines dans la nature, Séverin Guelpa (1974) cherche à agir avec les écosystèmes en vue de mieux les habiter. Son travail s’ancre dans les territoires fragiles, exposés, menacés – ces zones du globe où les tensions entre nature, ressources, économie et survie humaine sont les plus palpables. Depuis plusieurs années, il arpente déserts, zones arides, espaces industriels ou géographies en transition, pour y extraire une forme de vérité physique et poétique.
\r\n
\r\nDepuis 2014, Séverin Guelpa a été invité à participer à de nombreuses expositions, biennales et événements importants à travers le monde. Il a notamment exposé au Palais de Tokyo à Paris, au Museu do Amanhã à Rio de Janeiro, et a participé à des biennales internationales telles que celles de Mongolie, d’Athènes ou encore de Larnaca à Chypre. Ces invitations témoignent de la reconnaissance d’un travail engagé, qui place la matière et le territoire au cœur d’une réflexion artistique contemporaine.
\r\n
\r\nIl a fondé la plateforme collective MATZA qui s’est déployée dans le désert du Mojave (2014–2017), sur le glacier d’Aletsch (2016–2018), sur les îles Kerkennah en Tunisie (2017) puis en Colombie (Medellín et Cúcuta) et au Kenya (Nairobi) entre 2022 et 2023.
\r\n
\r\nAprès une formation en sciences politiques, Séverin Guelpa a obtenu un master en arts visuels à la HEAD – Genève. Il a depuis été invité à présenter son travail, à donner conférences et workshops dans de nombreuses institutions, universités et écoles d’art, en Suisse comme à l’international.\r\n
You can apply to participate and find all the relevant information (speakers, abstracts, program,...) on the event website: https://www.cecam.org/workshop-details/spectrodynamics-2026-connecting-computational-spectroscopic-methods-across-the-electromagnetic-spectrum-1489.
\r\n
\r\nRegistration is required to attend the full event, take part in the social activities and present a poster at the poster session (if any). However, the EPFL community is welcome to attend specific lectures without registration if the topic is of interest to their research. Do not hesitate to contact the CECAM Event Manager if you have any question.
\r\n
\r\nDescription
\r\n
\r\nLight provides one of the most detailed windows into molecules and matter. Modern light sources allow the probing of equilibrium and non-equilibrium phenomena with Å‐level spatial resolution and femto‐ to attosecond temporal precision. Advances in ultrafast laser technology, together with the rise of X-ray free‐electron lasers and next-generation synchrotron sources, have repeatedly pushed the boundaries of spectroscopic methods from low‐frequency collective modes in biomolecules to electronic and core‐level dynamics. An extensive toolbox of linear and multidimensional spectroscopic techniques now spans the entire electromagnetic spectrum. Terahertz (THz) pulses can coherently drive intermolecular and lattice vibrations in solids and soft matter [1], Mid‐IR and Raman methods map vibrational energy (re)distribution in liquids and vibrational signatures of individual modes in complex molecules [2]. Visible spectroscopy tracks ultrafast charge dynamics in chromophores [3] and photochemical molecular pathways [4], while X-ray sources from free-electron lasers and high-harmonic generation setups enabled time-resolved X-ray diffraction of gas‐phase [5] and condensed systems [6].
\r\nDespite sharing common scientific goals, the respective communities have traditionally operated in relative disconnection from each other, relying on different approximations, targeting different observables, and employing distinct numerical implementations. This disconnection manifests, among other symptoms, in the fact that schools, conferences, and workshops are often dedicated to a specific frequency window (e.g. IR spectroscopy) or to simulation methods targeting a class of specific processes (e.g. vibrational dynamics). Opportunities for dialogue and the building of a shared language are lacking. In fact, while preparing this proposal, it became evident that even foundational terms like ab initio or quantum dynamics carry different meanings across communities.
\r\nTo address this fragmentation, the proposed CECAM school brings together researchers from diverse backgrounds to foster mutual understanding and build lasting conceptual bridges. Over five days, participants will engage with both the theoretical foundations and practical implementations of spectroscopies across different communities. We will highlight the fact that despite their apparent differences, all spectroscopic methods can be traced back to a common starting point: a light–matter Hamiltonian that includes the quantum description of electronic, nuclear, and photonic degrees of freedom. From this unified framework, we will explore how different approximations—introduced at various stages—lead to the distinct theoretical approaches adopted in each field.
\r\nThe first part of the school will focus on approaches that solve the exact quantum molecular dynamics in reduced dimensionality. Within this framework, molecules are treated fully quantum-mechanically, while light is treated classically as an external perturbation within the dipole approximation. From the matter perspective, this means that the full electron + nuclear wavefunction is accessible, offering a great level of detail and information, and the accurate treatment of non-Born-Oppenheimer dynamics. From the light perspective, this means that spectroscopic signals are conveniently calculated via the response function approach (RFA) [7], which is however only valid in the weak field limit. Recently, the RFA has been used to design and simulate several spectroscopic signals of femtosecond molecular photochemistry using novel X-ray pulse sources [8], including stimulated X-ray Raman [9], transient X-ray absorption and transmission [10], and many others [11].
\r\nIn the second part, we will shift the focus to longer time scales with more degrees of freedom and study larger molecules in explicit environments (solvent, substrate, etc). In these cases, it is common practice to apply the Born-Oppenheimer approximation and take the classical limit for the nuclei, while keeping the electrons quantum, leading to (finite temperature) molecular dynamics (MD) approaches. To make these simulations computationally tractable, while retaining an explicit description of the electrons, electron–electron interactions are typically simplified using ground-state density functional theory (DFT). This approach, commonly referred to as ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD), enables the simulation of vibrational spectroscopies such as infrared (IR) and Raman [12,13], as well as surface-specific techniques like sum-frequency generation (SFG) [14,15]. To access larger system sizes and longer simulation timescales, forces can be derived from classical interatomic potentials, facilitating the convergence of multidimensional spectroscopic observables such as THz-Raman spectra [16]. Alternatively, forces can be learned directly from first-principles data using machine-learning (ML) models, enabling ML-driven molecular dynamics and spectroscopy [17-21]. Through path integral techniques, the quantum nature of the nuclei can be recovered, which is particularly important for systems containing light atoms, such as hydrogen [22-24].
\r\nThe third part of the school will explore what happens when the primary interest shifts from vibrational to electronic dynamics. In this context, the electron dynamics at the DFT level can be incorporated by considering its time-dependent version (TDDFT), where the exchange-correlation functionals are usually adiabatic. With this method, UV-visible absorption [25], circular dichroism [26], inelastic X-ray scattering, and electron energy loss [27], and other spectroscopies can be computed. Finally, there are situations in which strong light-matter coupling demands an explicit treatment of the photons [28]. These can be reintroduced either by dressing the Kohn-Sham Hamiltonian with electron-photon exchange-correlation potentials (known as quantum-electrodynamics DFT, or QEDFT) [29] or by a semiclassical treatment of the photons solving Maxwell’s equations (the Maxwell-TDDFT method)[30]. These methods enable the calculation of spectra in cavities or arbitrary electromagnetic environments [31], and can account for polaritonic phenomena, radiative lifetimes, superradiance, and many more.
\r\nThis school brings together leading experts from exact quantum dynamics, ab initio MD, ML‐enabled simulations, and Maxwell–TDDFT to forge a common language and cross‐fertilize ideas. Lectures will cover both the fundamental principles and the latest advances in each area, highlighting current applications and open challenges. Complementing the lectures, hands-on tutorials will reinforce foundational concepts and provide important hands-on experience on several popular computational approaches (see hands-on section below).
\r\nBy spanning the electromagnetic spectrum and the hierarchy of theoretical methods, this school will equip PhD students and postdocs with a unified, multi‐scale, and inter-community perspective on quantum dynamics and spectroscopy. Participants will leave with both a solid grounding in foundational techniques and direct experience of the latest computational frontiers, ready to tackle open challenges in molecular and materials science.
\r\n
\r\nReferences
\r\n
\r\n[1] P. Hamm, The Journal of Chemical Physics, 141, (2014)
\r\n[2] M. Svendsen, K. Thygesen, A. Rubio, J. Flick, J. Chem. Theory Comput., 20, 926-936 (2024)
\r\n[3] F. Bonafé, E. Albar, S. Ohlmann, V. Kosheleva, C. Bustamante, F. Troisi, A. Rubio, H. Appel, Phys. Rev. B, 111, 085114 (2025)
\r\n[4] M. Ruggenthaler, J. Flick, C. Pellegrini, H. Appel, I. Tokatly, A. Rubio, Phys. Rev. A, 90, 012508 (2014)
\r\n[5] J. Flick, D. Welakuh, M. Ruggenthaler, H. Appel, A. Rubio, ACS Photonics, 6, 2757-2778 (2019)
\r\n[6] A. Sakko, A. Rubio, M. Hakala, K. Hämäläinen, The Journal of Chemical Physics, 133, (2010)
\r\n[7] D. Varsano, L. Espinosa-Leal, X. Andrade, M. Marques, R. di Felice, A. Rubio, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 11, 4481 (2009)
\r\n[8] K. Yabana, G. Bertsch, Phys. Rev. B, 54, 4484-4487 (1996)
\r\n[9] Y. Litman, J. Behler, M. Rossi, Faraday Discuss., 221, 526-546 (2020)
\r\n[10] S. Althorpe, Annual Review of Physical Chemistry, 75, 397-420 (2024)
\r\n[11] M. Ceriotti, W. Fang, P. Kusalik, R. McKenzie, A. Michaelides, M. Morales, T. Markland, Chem. Rev., 116, 7529-7550 (2016)
\r\n[12] M. Gastegger, J. Behler, P. Marquetand, Chem. Sci., 8, 6924-6935 (2017)
\r\n[13] R. Han, R. Ketkaew, S. Luber, J. Phys. Chem. A, 126, 801-812 (2022)
\r\n[14] K. Inoue, Y. Litman, D. Wilkins, Y. Nagata, M. Okuno, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 14, 3063-3068 (2023)
\r\n[15] T. Morawietz, O. Marsalek, S. Pattenaude, L. Streacker, D. Ben-Amotz, T. Markland, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 9, 851-857 (2018)
\r\n[16] Y. Litman, J. Lan, Y. Nagata, D. Wilkins, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 14, 8175-8182 (2023)
\r\n[17] D. Nicoletti, A. Cavalleri, Adv. Opt. Photon., 8, 401 (2016)
\r\n[18] T. Ohto, K. Usui, T. Hasegawa, M. Bonn, Y. Nagata, The Journal of Chemical Physics, 143, (2015)
\r\n[19] M. Sulpizi, M. Salanne, M. Sprik, M. Gaigeot, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 4, 83-87 (2012)
\r\n[20] O. Marsalek, T. Markland, J. Phys. Chem. Lett., 8, 1545-1551 (2017)
\r\n[21] C. Zhang, D. Donadio, F. Gygi, G. Galli, J. Chem. Theory Comput., 7, 1443-1449 (2011)
\r\n[22] D. Keefer, S. Cavaletto, J. Rouxel, M. Garavelli, H. Yong, S. Mukamel, Annu. Rev. Phys. Chem., 74, 73-97 (2023)
\r\n[23] S. Cavaletto, Y. Nam, J. Rouxel, D. Keefer, H. Yong, S. Mukamel, J. Chem. Theory Comput., 19, 2327-2339 (2023)
\r\n[24] D. Keefer, T. Schnappinger, R. de Vivie-Riedle, S. Mukamel, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 117, 24069-24075 (2020)
\r\n[25] M. Kowalewski, B. Fingerhut, K. Dorfman, K. Bennett, S. Mukamel, Chem. Rev., 117, 12165-12226 (2017)
\r\n[26] Shaul Mukamel, Principles of nonlinear optical spectroscopy, Oxford University Press, New York 1995
\r\n[27] J. Kim, S. Nozawa, H. Kim, E. Choi, T. Sato, T. Kim, K. Kim, H. Ki, J. Kim, M. Choi, Y. Lee, J. Heo, K. Oang, K. Ichiyanagi, R. Fukaya, J. Lee, J. Park, I. Eom, S. Chun, S. Kim, M. Kim, T. Katayama, T. Togashi, S. Owada, M. Yabashi, S. Lee, S. Lee, C. Ahn, D. Ahn, J. Moon, S. Choi, J. Kim, T. Joo, J. Kim, S. Adachi, H. Ihee, Nature, 582, 520-524 (2020)
\r\n[28] M. Minitti, J. Budarz, A. Kirrander, J. Robinson, D. Ratner, T. Lane, D. Zhu, J. Glownia, M. Kozina, H. Lemke, M. Sikorski, Y. Feng, S. Nelson, K. Saita, B. Stankus, T. Northey, J. Hastings, P. Weber, Phys. Rev. Lett., 114, 255501 (2015)
\r\n[29] D. Polli, P. Altoè, O. Weingart, K. Spillane, C. Manzoni, D. Brida, G. Tomasello, G. Orlandi, P. Kukura, R. Mathies, M. Garavelli, G. Cerullo, Nature, 467, 440-443 (2010)
\r\n[30] D. Brey, R. Binder, R. Martinazzo, I. Burghardt, Faraday Discuss., 237, 148-167 (2022)
\r\n[31] C. Baiz, B. Błasiak, J. Bredenbeck, M. Cho, J. Choi, S. Corcelli, A. Dijkstra, C. Feng, S. Garrett-Roe, N. Ge, M. Hanson-Heine, J. Hirst, T. Jansen, K. Kwac, K. Kubarych, C. Londergan, H. Maekawa, M. Reppert, S. Saito, S. Roy, J. Skinner, G. Stock, J. Straub, M. Thielges, K. Tominaga, A. Tokmakoff, H. Torii, L. Wang, L. Webb, M. Zanni, Chem. Rev., 120, 7152-7218 (2020)
The Swiss startup days (SUD) are the leading deep-tech catalyst event where Switzerland’s innovation bridges are built.
\r\n
\r\nFrom mindset to connection to action, SUD empowers entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and enablers to create a stronger, more connected, and more resilient startup ecosystem - all in a single day.
\r\n
\r\nOn 21 May 2026, the entire ecosystem comes together for a full day of keynotes, sessions, and startup pitches, plus 1:1 meetings, a buzzing exhibition area, and 1,500 participants ready to exchange ideas, insights, and opportunities.
\r\n
\r\nBe part of the catalyst event to accelerate your innovation journey.
\r\n
\r\nFree tickets (limited to EPFL Startups and first come first serve) - contact Aurelie
\r\n
A hands-on introduction to the key concepts in image analysis for your everyday research!
\r\n
\r\nOpen to PhD students from all doctoral programs at EPFL, Swiss academic institutions and ETH domain.
\r\n
\r\nJune 8 to 12 2026
\r\nPalace de Caux, Montreux
\r\nPre-summer school Workshop will take place on June 4, 2026 (afternoon)
\r\n
\r\nMore info
\r\nApplication Deadline: March 1, 2026
\r\n
\r\nAre you a PhD student at EPFL, at another swiss academic institution or within the ETH domaine who regularly faces questions regarding the analysis of your images ? Do you want to learn more about practical concepts and tools to help you in this endeavor? Then our summer school in image analysis is for you! Throughout the week, a series of lectures will provide you with the essential concepts in image analysis – from the nature of digital images through the physics of image acquisition to the basics of deep learning, and more. In addition to these lectures, you will learn to use some popular image-analysis software during practical sessions.
The Sustainable Buildings and Construction Summit 2026 (20-22 April, Lausanne, Switzerland) convenes government officials alongside academics, private sector leaders, financiers, and civil society—converging policymakers, researchers, and practitioners to translate global sustainability commitments into practical solutions. Co-organised by EPFL and the UNEP-hosted Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction, the Summit aims to accelerate the transition to a resilient built environment worldwide, with particular focus on emerging markets and developing economies where built environment growth is most significant.The Summit will include thought-evoking keynotes, cross-disciplinary workshops, academic showcases, and solution-focused roundtables on themes such as upfront embodied emissions, climate resilient construction, circularity, affordable housing, and sustainable urban planning.
","image_description":"Sustainable Buildings & Construction Summit announcement","creation_date":"2026-03-16T14:04:45","last_modification_date":"2026-03-16T14:04:45","link_label":"Sustainable Buildings & Construction Summit","link_url":"https://sustainable-construction.org/","canceled":"False","cancel_reason":"","place_and_room":"SwissTech Convention Centre","url_place_and_room":"","url_online_room":"","spoken_languages":["https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/spoken_languages/2/?format=json"],"speaker":"","organizer":"EPFL Centre for Worldwide Sustainable Construction, UNEP, Global Alliance for Buildings and Construction.","contact":"Anne Dekeukelaere: anne.dekeukelaere@epfl.ch;\r\n\r\nCarolien van der Voorden: carolien.vandervoorden@epfl.ch;","is_internal":"False","theme":"","vulgarization":{"id":1,"fr_label":"Tout public","en_label":"General public"},"registration":{"id":1,"fr_label":"Sur inscription","en_label":"Registration required"},"keywords":"sustainable construction; built environment; build for climate","file":null,"icalendar_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/event/export/120090/","category":{"id":1,"code":"CONF","fr_label":"Conférences - Séminaires","en_label":"Conferences - Seminars","activated":true},"academic_calendar_category":null,"domains":[],"mementos":["https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/1/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/4/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/8/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/79/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/6/?format=json","https://memento.epfl.ch/api/v1/mementos/32/?format=json"]},{"id":70950,"title":"Theoretical Realisation of Quantum Phenomena In Computational Materials Discovery","slug":"theoretical-realisation-of-quantum-phenomena-in--2","event_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/event/theoretical-realisation-of-quantum-phenomena-in--2","visual_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/image/32338/200x112.jpg","visual_large_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/image/32338/720x405.jpg","visual_maxsize_url":"https://memento.epfl.ch/image/32338/max-size.jpg","lang":"en","start_date":"2026-06-22","end_date":"2026-06-24","start_time":null,"end_time":null,"description":"You can apply to participate and find all the relevant information (speakers, abstracts, program,...) on the event website: https://www.cecam.org/workshop-details/theoretical-realisation-of-quantum-phenomena-in-computational-materials-discovery-1485.
\r\n
\r\nRegistration is required to attend the full event, take part in the social activities and present a poster at the poster session (if any). However, the EPFL community is welcome to attend specific lectures without registration if the topic is of interest to their research. Do not hesitate to contact the CECAM Event Manager if you have any question.
\r\n
\r\nDescription
\r\n
\r\nQuantum phenomena in materials underpin a range of emerging technologies, including spin-based quantum technologies, efficient energy transport materials and ultra-narrow bandwidth lasers.1,2,3 Emergent behaviour such as quantum magnetism, superconductivity and superradiance4 arise from the complex interplay between electronic and structural properties; electronic features including strong electron correlation, spin-orbit coupling and reduced dimensionality can lead to phenomena such as unconventional superconductivity and room-temperature spin coherences, whilst structural factors such as crystal symmetry, doping concentrations and Moiré twist patterns are pivotal in shaping these quantum characteristics.5,6 Computational quantum materials discovery requires both highly advanced theoretical models of the electronic structure and high-throughput approaches for identifying stable crystal structures and predicting their properties.3,7
\r\nStrongly correlated electrons, ubiquitous in quantum materials, challenge conventional density functional theory (DFT). Quantum embedding methods, such as Density Matrix Embedding Theory (DMET) and Quantum Defect Embedding Theory (QDET), are powerful tools for describing strongly correlated electronic states in materials. QDET solves an effective Hamiltonian for a strongly-correlated subset of DFT orbitals using full configuration interaction, parameterized via a Green's function approach.8 DMET, however, maps the solid-state problem onto a self-consistent quantum impurity coupled to a mean-field bath, with the impurity solved by high-level methods.9 The application of these advanced techniques is rapidly growing, from analysing superconducting cuprates to describing quantum spin defects in semiconductors.8,9
\r\nModel Hamiltonians, such as the multi-band Hubbard model, are increasingly used to describe the low-energy physics of quantum materials.10 While the constrained random phase approximation is the traditional choice for parametrising these models,11 the newly developed moment-conserved RPA may offer superior accuracy by conserving instantaneous two-point correlation functions.12,13 Powerful numerical techniques like Determinant Quantum Monte Carlo have recently been pioneered for solving the model Hamiltonian and predicting quantum phenomena such as pairing susceptibilities.14
\r\nSuch theoretical methods are also essential for computational discovery of spin defects in semiconductors, a promising platform for room-temperature qubits.3,15 Advanced theoretical treatments are essential to predict defect electronic, magnetic, and optical properties, incorporating effects like spin-orbit and spin-phonon coupling which determine spin coherence and optical manipulation characteristics. The current state-of-the-art combines DFT studies of semiconductor bulk properties with ab initio treatments of the defect; quantum embedding methods are emerging as a promising alternative.16,17
\r\nGiven the immense diversity of materials, high-throughput screening is a cornerstone of modern materials discovery. DFT, particularly with state-of-the-art approximations like r2SCAN+rVV10, remains the workhorse for reliably determining material structures; such calculations often offer critical insight into both a systems stability and electronic structure.7,18,19,20 Machine learning (ML) is transforming materials discovery by slashing the computational cost of such calculations, allowing a wider exploration of composition space.21,22
\r\nComputational quantum materials modelling is advancing rapidly, however reconciling methods treating strongly correlated electrons with computational workflows employed in modern materials discovery remains relatively unexploited. The synergy of advanced theory, high-performance computing and ML has the potential to drive breakthroughs in quantum materials discovery and accelerate development of emerging technologies, from novel qubit platforms to room-temperature superconductors.
\r\n
\r\nReferences
\r\n
\r\n[1] C. Scott, G. Booth, Phys. Rev. Lett., 132, 076401 (2024)
\r\n[2] X. Jiang, W. Wang, S. Tian, H. Wang, T. Lookman, Y. Su, npj. Comput. Mater., 11, 79 (2025)
\r\n[3] S. Giaremis, M. Righi, Tribology International, 204, 110438 (2025)
\r\n[4] Z. Zhu, J. Park, H. Sahasrabuddhe, A. Ganose, R. Chang, J. Lawson, A. Jain, npj. Comput. Mater., 10, 258 (2024)
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You can apply to participate and find all the relevant information (speakers, abstracts, program,...) on the event website: https://www.cecam.org/workshop-details/toward-intelligent-behavior-in-macroscopic-active-matter-1481.
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\r\nRegistration is required to attend the full event, take part in the social activities and present a poster at the poster session (if any). However, the EPFL community is welcome to attend specific lectures without registration if the topic is of interest to their research. Do not hesitate to contact the CECAM Event Manager if you have any question.
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\r\nDescription
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\r\nActive matter has emerged as a central framework for understanding systems composed of self-driven units across scales, ranging from molecular motors and cytoskeletal filaments to animal groups and robotic swarms. Initially, many foundational models focused on macroscopic agents – such as flocks, swarms, and driven granular particles – where simple interaction rules give rise to rich collective phenomena. However, over the past two decades, much of the focus has shifted toward microscopic and mesoscopic active systems, especially in soft and biological matter, supported by the technological development of high-resolution imaging, force measurement, and microfabrication. These advances have driven a more refined theoretical understanding, connecting microscopic dynamics with hydrodynamic and continuum-scale descriptions, and have found applications in biophysics, material science, and cellular biology.
\r\nIn parallel, yet often semi-independently, active matter concepts have flourished in ecological and robotic systems. In these domains, the agents – be they insects, birds, autonomous vehicles, or soft robots – not only self-propel and interact, but also sense their environments, make decisions, and adapt their behavior. These systems extend the classical framework of active matter by incorporating elements of intelligence, information processing, and environmental feedback. Notably, such systems can operate far from equilibrium and exhibit coordinated behavior that seems tuned for functional outcomes – navigation, foraging, or collective decision-making.
\r\nThese trends point toward a convergence: macroscopic active matter systems capable of intelligent, adaptive, or programmable behavior. This includes both natural systems (e.g., flocking insects, social insects, animal herds) and artificial systems (e.g., modular robots, programmable matter, active granular agents). The interplay of self-propulsion, interaction rules, information exchange, learning or memory, and system-level feedback opens exciting new directions for both fundamental science and applications. Recent efforts in this space combine techniques from statistical physics, nonlinear dynamics, robotics, and machine learning.
\r\nHowever, the communities working on these different aspects of active matter – soft matter physicists, ecologists, roboticists, and complexity scientists – remain fragmented, with limited opportunity for sustained dialogue. Bridging these communities is essential to develop a shared language, identify unifying principles, and guide the development of new experimental platforms and theoretical frameworks.
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