Entropy 2026: Exploring Quantum Information, Complexity, and the Foundations of the Quantum Future in Barcelona

While headlines often focus on the latest qubit counts, photonic processors, or superconducting milestones, the deepest progress in quantum computing frequently emerges from foundational questions: What is information in a quantum world? How does entropy shape computation, complexity, and even gravity?

Entropy 2026 (Entropy 2026: Exploring Complexity and Information in Science) directly tackles these questions.

This third edition of the International Conference on Entropy and Its Applications brings together leading researchers at the intersection of entropy, information theory, statistical physics, complex systems, and quantum science.

Dates: 1–3 July 2026 (Wednesday–Friday) Location: Barcelona School of Management (BSM), C/ de Balmes 132-134, 08008 Barcelona, Spain Format: Fully in-person only

Organized by MDPI’s open-access journal Entropy (Impact Factor 2.0) and chaired by Prof. Dr. Miguel Rubi (University of Barcelona) and Prof. Dr. Kevin H. Knuth (University at Albany), the conference emphasizes interdisciplinary advances bridging classical thermodynamics, Shannon-style information theory, and cutting-edge applications in physics, computing, biology, and engineering.

High-quality submissions have already been received from institutions including the University of Cambridge, Princeton University, and Eindhoven University of Technology.

Conference Themes

Entropy 2026 covers eight core tracks:

Complex Systems and Network Science

Information Theory, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence

Quantum Information and Quantum Computing (Session 3)

Thermodynamics and Energy Systems

Non-Equilibrium Systems and Entropy Production

Statistical Physics and Stochastic Processes

Soft and Living Matter

Applications of Entropy in Science and Engineering

Spotlight: Session 3 – Quantum Information and Quantum Computing

Session 3 is one of the most compelling tracks for the quantum community and is prominently featured on the first day, Wednesday, 1 July.

Wednesday, 1 July schedule:

Opening Ceremony

Session 3 Part I

Coffee Break + Poster Session A

Session 3 Part II

Group Photo

Lunch

The Session 3 dedicated quantum session explicitly extends classical notions of entropy and information into the quantum domain. Expect talks spanning:

Theoretical foundations (entropic derivations of quantum mechanics and quantum gravity)

Complexity measures in quantum many-body systems (including Krylov complexity and quantum chaos)

Practical quantum information processing (quantum neuron capacity, state tomography, and computation)

NISQ-era applications (monitored quantum systems, first-passage times, and noise-assisted effects)

Unlike hardware-focused events, Session 3 dives into the information-theoretic and entropic underpinnings; increasingly defining our understanding of quantum advantage, error correction, quantum machine learning models, and even connections to quantum gravity. These conceptual frameworks often precede practical breakthroughs by years — making the discussions invaluable for researchers, engineers, and content creators tracking where the field is truly heading.

Featured Keynote Speakers (Quantum-Relevant Highlights)

A standout lineup of keynotes includes several directly relevant to quantum information and foundations:

Prof. Ariel Caticha (University at Albany) — “Towards an Entropic Quantum Gravity”

Prof. Juan F. Pedraza (UAM/CSIC) — “Krylov Complexity as a Probe of Quantum Chaos in Many-Body Systems”

Prof. Stefano Mancini (University of Camerino & INFN) — “The Capacity of a Single Quantum Neuron”

Prof. Eli Barkai (Bar-Ilan University) — “First-Passage and Hitting Times in Monitored Quantum Systems on NISQ Platforms”

Prof. Olivier Rioul (Télécom Paris) — “Dual Representations of Classical and Quantum Entropies”

Additional keynotes will address anomalous diffusion, finite-time thermodynamics, neo-Gibbsian statistical energetics, and related topics that intersect with quantum science.

Why Entropy 2026 Matters for the Quantum Community

For professionals and enthusiasts following quantum computing developments — from hardware advances like China’s Wukong processor to post-quantum cryptography and photonic systems — this conference offers something rare: deep context.

The intimate, in-person format (limited capacity) fosters genuine networking during poster sessions, coffee breaks, shared lunches, a group photo, and the Friday conference dinner with awards and closing remarks. Many attendees will be active researchers whose work you can follow, quote, or feature in future coverage.

Barcelona in early July adds further appeal: excellent weather, world-class architecture (including Gaudí’s Sagrada Família), outstanding cuisine, and a relaxed post-conference atmosphere. Attendees also receive a special discount code (ENTROPY26) for the Moco Museum.

This creates efficient research and relationship-building time: gather material for roundups, spot emerging trends early, and potentially connect with future sources or collaborators.

Registration Information

Registration is open until 15 June 2026 — only about two weeks remain. Capacity is limited, and unpaid registrations may be canceled once spots are filled. Abstract submission has closed, but you can still register as a regular attendee or submit a late-breaking poster (limited time remaining).

Included: All sessions, coffee breaks, lunches, conference bag, and program book.

Register here: https://sciforum.net/event/Entropy2026

Questions? Contact the organizers at entropy2026@mdpi.com.

Final Call to Action

If your work involves tracking or advancing quantum technologies, Entropy 2026 represents an efficient, high-value opportunity to gain deep foundational insights, build relationships with leading researchers, and stay ahead of emerging conceptual trends.

With registration closing soon and limited spots available, now is the time to secure your place.

Register today: https://sciforum.net/event/Entropy2026

We look forward to Barcelona this July — and to sharing the best of the conference with the broader quantum community.