CTD.QMAT26: Würzburg Welcomes Leading Quantum Researchers from Around the World

Overview

More than 300 researchers from 22 countries gathered in Würzburg for the CTD.QMAT26 conference from September 28 to October 2, 2026, to explore the latest advances in topological and complex quantum materials. Key topics included ultrathin, two-dimensional semiconductors for energy-efficient electronics, innovative measurement techniques for investigating ultrafast electronic switching, and the use of light to control material properties. Presentations by international experts showcased cutting-edge research and opened up new perspectives on the quantum technologies of tomorrow.

CTD.QMAT26 — the International Conference on Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter — marked the third major international conference hosted by the Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat based at the Universities of Würzburg and Dresden. For the second time, the conference was jointly organized with Collaborative Research Center 1170 “ToCoTronics” (Topological and Correlated Electronics at Surfaces and Interfaces) at Julius-Maximilians-Universität (JMU) Würzburg.

Exploring the Frontiers of Modern Quantum Physics 

Across 17 sessions featuring 64 talks, along with poster presentations, the conference explored novel quantum phenomena emerging from the interplay of topology, complexity, and dynamics. Topics ranged from topological electronic materials — whose surfaces or edges can conduct electricity without energy loss — to quantum spin systems that harness the magnetic properties of electrons for information processing, photonics, and quantum systems out of equilibrium. The program also explored how light can be used to precisely control matter — an approach that could make it possible to create and manipulate novel quantum states, such as light-induced superconductivity.

Shaping the Future of Quantum Research

“Each of the 17 sessions showcased some of the most exciting developments in quantum research today,” says Professor Ralph Claessen, ctd.qmat spokesperson in Würzburg. “CTD.QMAT26 demonstrated just how vibrant and internationally connected the field of complex and topological quantum materials has become. Our conference at Congress Centrum Würzburg brought together researchers from fields such as condensed matter physics, photonics, and synthetic quantum systems — people who rarely have the chance to exchange ideas so directly. These encounters are particularly valuable because they open up fresh perspectives and help us tackle the next big questions in quantum physics together.” 

Claessen singles out presentations on ultrathin, two-dimensional semiconductors as a foundation for energy-efficient electronics, new measurement techniques that provide deeper insights into ultrafast electronic switching, and the use of light to control material properties or even create entirely new ones, potentially giving rise to phenomena such as unconventional superconductivity. “These presentations showed just how closely fundamental research and potential technological applications are becoming intertwined,” Claessen explains.

Creating Opportunities for Early-Career Researchers

Beyond its scientific program, CTD.QMAT26 offered dedicated opportunities for early-career researchers to connect, exchange ideas, and explore their professional futures. At the “Career Paths in Science” panel discussion, participants shared their experiences and perspectives on careers in research, exploring the opportunities and challenges associated with different academic paths. The conversation continued at a networking event specifically for early-career researchers, held at the historic Neubaukirche (Old University) in Würzburg.

Another networking event organized by the Grete Hermann Network (GHN) brought together women researchers at every stage of their careers. Named after the German mathematician, physicist, philosopher, and teacher Grete Hermann (1901–1984), the network connects women scientists working in condensed matter physics and related disciplines around the world. Scholarships provided by the Wittenstein Foundation also helped young researchers attend the conference.

A total of 130 posters showcased the latest research findings, primarily from early-career scientists from around the world. “The poster sessions offered a glimpse of brand-new scientific discoveries, some of which haven’t even been published yet,” Claessen emphasizes. Three early-career researchers received poster awards: Romana Ganser and Salahudin Smailagić, both from JMU Würzburg, and Niklas Witt from Bielefeld University.

Würzburg: An International Hub for Quantum Materials Research 

CTD.QMAT26 once again underscored Würzburg’s prominent position on the international quantum materials research landscape. The city has established itself as a leading center in the field, thanks in no small part to the Cluster of Excellence ctd.qmat — Complexity, Topology and Dynamics in Quantum Matter — a joint initiative of JMU Würzburg and Technische Universität (TU) Dresden.

We gratefully acknowledge the generous support of the Congress Initiative for the Bavarian Tourism Industry (KiB) and the Wittenstein Foundation, which helped make CTD.QMAT26 possible.