Join us for the Summer School on Optical Communication 2026, organised by the ICON Project supported by CONNECT Research Ireland Centre

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

18:30 – 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 BOLSHAKN@tcd.ie.

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 & Opening Ceremony

Dr. Aleksandra Kaszubowska, 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: Optical Networking for AI

Prof. Dimitra Simeonidou, University of Bristol

12:00 – 13:00

Panel Discussion

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 – 15:15

Lecture 4: Applications of Quantum – QKD

Prof. Marco Lucamarini, University of York

15:15 – 16:30

Lecture 5: Optical Interconnect Technologies for AI Clusters

Prof. Ioannis Tomkos, University of Patras

16:30 – 16:45

Coffee Break

16:45 – 18:00

Lecture 6: Confluent Networks

Prof. Dan Kilper, Trinity College Dublin

Friday, September 4, 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 BOLSHAKN@tcd.ie.

Description supplied by the event organiser.