🗓 IGNITE 2026: Detailed Daily Program

Dates: January 26–30, 2026 (Monday to Friday)
Location: Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel & Conference Center, Madrid, Spain
Format: In-person

🔭 Session Topics at IGNITE 2026

IGNITE 2026 celebrates the full spectrum of modern physics, offering a dynamic and interdisciplinary program that bridges foundational principles with the forefront of scientific innovation. Each session is designed to foster collaboration across subfields, challenge traditional boundaries, and inspire forward-looking inquiry into the nature of our universe.

⚛️ Quantum Physics, Information & Computation
Explore the strange and powerful world of the quantum. Topics include quantum entanglement, quantum computing, decoherence, quantum thermodynamics, and quantum communication. This session emphasizes both foundational theory and emerging technologies poised to reshape computation and security.

🌌 Astrophysics, Cosmology & Gravitation
From dark energy to the origins of the cosmos, this session spans large-scale structure, black hole physics, cosmic microwave background analysis, gravitational waves, and the search for exoplanets. The aim is to integrate observational data with theoretical breakthroughs that deepen our understanding of the universe.

🧲 Condensed Matter & Materials Physics
Dive into the physics of solids, liquids, and exotic phases of matter. Topics include superconductivity, magnetism, nanomaterials, 2D materials, and topological states. Emphasis is placed on both fundamental mechanisms and real-world applications in energy, computing, and manufacturing.

🔬 Particle Physics & High-Energy Experiments
Focusing on the building blocks of matter and their interactions, this session explores standard model physics, collider results (including those from the LHC), neutrino physics, and searches for new particles. Connections between experimental findings and theoretical models are a central theme.

🌐 Plasma Physics & Nuclear Fusion
Investigate the science behind fusion energy, astrophysical plasmas, and space weather. Topics range from confinement techniques and turbulence to laser-plasma interactions and tokamak diagnostics. The session also covers plasma applications in medicine and industry.

🌀 Fluid Dynamics, Soft Matter & Complex Systems
From turbulent flows to collective behavior, this session covers hydrodynamics, rheology, active matter, and granular materials. Special focus is given to nonlinear dynamics, pattern formation, and the physics of emergent phenomena in biological and social systems.

📈 Mathematical Physics & Theoretical Frameworks
At the intersection of abstract thinking and physical insight, this session delves into quantum field theory, string theory, statistical mechanics, and symmetry principles. It highlights how mathematical structures inform physical laws and vice versa.

📡 Optics, Photonics & Electromagnetism
Explore the interaction of light and matter, from classical optics to modern photonics. Topics include metamaterials, laser technologies, nonlinear optics, and applications in quantum communication and imaging. New frontiers in light-matter coupling are spotlighted.

💻 Computational Physics, AI & Data-Driven Discovery
Where physics meets computation, this session covers simulations, machine learning applications, high-performance computing, and big data analysis. Emphasis is placed on the role of algorithms in modeling complex systems and accelerating scientific discovery.

🧪 Applied Physics & Technology Innovation
This session connects physics with engineering and industry. Topics include sensor technology, medical imaging, renewable energy systems, space technologies, and quantum devices. It showcases the real-world impact of physical insights on innovation and sustainability.

🎓 Physics Education, Equity & Open Science
Focusing on the societal role of physics, this session addresses inclusive education, public engagement, ethics in research, reproducibility, and open-access science. It also explores how to cultivate a diverse, responsible, and forward-thinking physics community.

⚛️ Core Program Structure

Morning Plenary Lectures
Begin each day with visionary keynote talks from globally renowned physicists. These plenary sessions will address fundamental questions, paradigm-shifting discoveries, and the challenges facing physics in the 21st century—from quantum gravity to clean energy innovation.

Parallel Thematic Sessions
Throughout the day, attendees can engage in concurrent deep-dive sessions covering a wide spectrum of fields: quantum physics, cosmology, materials science, particle physics, optics, and more. Talks are selected based on scientific rigor, originality, and relevance to both theory and real-world applications.

Interactive Workshops & Expert Panels
Afternoon workshops and expert-led panels offer hands-on engagement with frontier techniques and cross-disciplinary methods. Topics may include quantum simulation, machine learning in physics, gravitational wave detection, and the ethics of emerging technologies.

Poster Sessions & Early-Career Spotlights
Dedicated poster sessions will showcase emerging research and foster connections among early-career physicists. Selected young researchers will also present short spotlight talks, ensuring that the next generation plays a central role in shaping the conference dialogue.

📚 Special Program Features

Physics Across Frontiers
Special interdisciplinary sessions will explore how physics intersects with computing, engineering, environmental science, and healthcare. These discussions will emphasize the role of physics in addressing global challenges—such as climate modeling, quantum-secure communication, and energy storage solutions.

History, Philosophy & Ethics of Physics
IGNITE 2026 will also reflect on the deeper currents shaping the discipline. Sessions will examine the philosophical foundations of physical theories, historical milestones in discovery, and the ethical implications of advanced technologies like AI and nuclear research.

Grand Challenges & Open Questions Forum
This live, participatory forum invites attendees to tackle unresolved questions across the physical sciences. From reconciling general relativity and quantum mechanics to solving turbulence, the session fosters bold thinking and community-driven research agendas.

🧭 A Program with Purpose

IGNITE 2026 is not just a conference—it is a springboard for innovation, mentorship, and lasting impact. Whether you're decoding the early universe, advancing photonic technologies, or modeling complex systems, this program invites you to collaborate across boundaries, ignite new ideas, and help shape the future of physics.

🕰️ Daily Program Structure

IGNITE 2026: A Precision-Crafted Experience for Exploration, Exchange, and Discovery in Physics

Each day at Ignite 2026 is carefully structured to foster deep scientific engagement while encouraging informal interactions, interdisciplinary thinking, and inspiration. The program is designed to maximize intellectual value and collaborative potential while allowing attendees to enjoy the vibrant city of Madrid and its scientific and cultural richness.

🔹 08:00 – 09:00 | Registration & Morning Coffee
Gather in the conference foyer for freshly brewed coffee and light breakfast options. An ideal setting to browse the exhibitor booths, view early posters, and reconnect with colleagues ahead of the scientific sessions.

🔹 09:00 – 10:00 | Plenary Lecture
Daily keynote from a leading physicist in the main hall, uniting participants around pivotal questions and breakthroughs in fields ranging from quantum theory to astrophysics, particle physics, and applied technologies.

🔹 10:15 – 12:00 | Parallel Thematic Sessions (Block 1)
Simultaneous sessions featuring 20–25 minute talks followed by Q&A. Topics span a broad range of specialties, including condensed matter physics, cosmology, plasma physics, photonics, quantum computing, and theoretical frameworks. Sessions are curated to foster both depth and cross-disciplinary dialogue.

🔹 12:00 – 13:30 | Lunch Break & Informal Networking
Enjoy a buffet lunch with diverse dietary options in indoor and outdoor areas. A valuable moment for relaxed networking, follow-up discussions, or spontaneous collaboration.

🔹 13:30 – 15:00 | Parallel Thematic Sessions (Block 2)
Afternoon blocks feature a new rotation of speakers and topics. These include invited talks, contributed presentations from emerging researchers, and mini-panels on areas like renewable energy, particle accelerator innovations, or physics at the interface of AI.

🔹 15:00 – 15:30 | Coffee & Poster Session
Afternoon refreshments served in the exhibition hall alongside interactive poster presentations. Moderators and facilitators encourage discussion between authors and attendees, with special emphasis on early-career researchers.

🔹 15:30 – 17:00 | Special Sessions & Applied Physics Workshops
A dynamic block that includes:

• Hands-on sessions (e.g., simulation software, detector instrumentation)

• Problem-solving workshops around key theoretical or experimental challenges

• Lightning talks (7–10 minutes) selected from open abstract submissions

• Panels linking physics to real-world applications (climate models, space tech, nanomaterials)

🔹 17:15 – 18:00 | Grand Challenges Forum / Public Lecture (Alternate Days)
Alternating between internal roundtables on unresolved problems in physics (e.g., quantum gravity, dark matter) and public engagement events — designed to connect the wider community with scientific progress.

🌇 Evening Cultural & Social Activities

• Monday: Welcome Reception with Local Tapas & Music

• Tuesday: Private Planetarium Night Experience

• Wednesday: Rooftop Networking Mixer

• Thursday: Formal Gala Dinner at a Historic Madrid Palace

• Friday: Farewell Gathering & Physics Pub Quiz

These events offer space for casual interaction, cultural immersion, and celebration of the scientific community.

🎓 Additional Daily Features

• Speaker & Presentation Preparation Lounges

• Silent Zones for Reflection and Deep Work

• Physics Book & Tech Expo with Demos from Leading Publishers and Labs

• Drop-In Mentoring & Publishing Corners for Grant Advice and Career Guidance

• Live Captioning, Accessibility & Translation Services in Main Sessions