The program of the Aspen Center for Physics is based on individual and collaborative research and the informal exchange of ideas.
Research interests include astrophysics, biophysics, condensed matter physics, dynamical systems, elementary particle physics, mathematical physics and statistical physics.
In an environment free from normal distractions, the stimulating interaction among participants with diverse interests and backgrounds is one of the most fruitful aspects of the program.
Opportunities for collaboration and for initiating new research are always available as colleagues from a variety of subfields are present throughout the summer.
In addition to the unstructured program of Individual Research and Working Groups, Informal Workshops are also scheduled.
INDIVIDUAL RESEARCH — any physicist can apply in this category: May 24 to Sept 13
WORKING GROUPS — for 2 to 6 collaborators: May 24 to Sept 13
INFORMAL WORKSHOPS
- AI Reasoning in Theoretical Physics: May 24 to June 14
- String Theory and the Observable Universe: May 24 to June 14
- Emerging New Phases in Quantum Materials: The Disordered, the Strange and the Topologial: May 31 to June 28
- New Synergies: Crafting the Next Generation Narrative for Cosmology and Particle Physics: June 14 to July 5
- Black Holes Across Mass Scales: Formation, Growth, and the Multi-Messenger Frontier: June 14 to July 12
- Topology and Strong Correlations: Emerging Universality: July 5 to July 26
- From First Principles to Future Colliders: Amplitudes, Bootstraps and Energy Correlators: July 12 to Aug 2
- Quantum Gravity, Chaos, and Observers for Black Holes and Cosmology: July 26 to Aug 16
- Quantum Interactive Matter: Harnessing Measurement and Feedback for Novel Quantum States: Aug 2 to Aug 23
- Physics of Collective Function in Active Living Matter: Aug 9 to Sept 6
- New Cross-Correlation Perspectives on Cosmic Baryons: Aug 16 to Sept 13
- Advances in Quantum Simulation from Quarks to Chemistry: Aug 23 to Sept 13
Individual participants must provide for their own expenses from their contracts, grants, fellowships or regular appointments. Through the National Science Foundation Grant # PHY-2210452, the Center provides partial financial support for the housing it arranges. Limited financial support is available for participants who would otherwise be unable to participate in the program. Requests for financial support should be submitted during the application process.
More detailed information and online applications at https://aspenphys.org/summer/
Deadline for registration: January 15, 2026