High-Dimensional Computation in Soft Matter

International Workshop
13 - 17 July 2026

Small living systems composed of soft matter often need to infer signals from scattered data in their environment.  This raises the question on how algorithms for statistical inference, such as those used by neural networks, can be implemented in soft-matter systems.  Examples are, amongst others, inference algorithms implemented by multicomponent liquids, assemblies, chemical reaction networks, and elastic networks.  We will also discuss the limitations and advantages of using soft matter for statistical inference.  

Topics include

  • programmable elastica
  • programmable liquids
  • programmable assemblies
  • multicomponent mixtures
  • self-assembly
  • information processing
  • neural networks
  • phase separation
  • disordered systems
  • living matter

Confirmed Invited Speakers

Omar Adame (NL)
Nuno Araújo (PT)
Félix Benoist (PT)
Jasna Brujic (US)
Daniele De Martino (ES)
Carl Goodrich (AT)
Daniel Hexner (IL)
William Jacobs (US)
Omer Karin (UK)
Tuomas Knowles (UK)
Andrej Košmrlj (US)
Andrea J. Liu (US)
Davide Marcato (PT)
M. Carmen Miguel (ES)
Rémi Monasson (FR)
Saeed Osat (DE)
Michael Rennick (UK)
Olivier Rivoire (FR)
Leonor Saiz (US)
Peter Sollich (DE)
Petr Šulc (US)
Nex Stuhlmüller (NL)
Tzer Han Tan (US)
Ryan van Mastrigt (FR)
Tim Veenstra (NL)
Sam Wilken (DE)
BingKan Xue (US)
Zorana Zeravcic (FR)
Mengjie Zu (AT)
David Zwicker (DE)

 

Scientific Coordinators

Dr. Izaak Neri
(London, UK)

Dr. Pablo Sartori
(Lisbon, PT)

Organisation

Katja Egenolf

(MPIPKS Dresden)

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Application

The application deadline for HDCSM26 was 31st March 2026. The number of attendees is limited.

The registration fee for the international workshop is 200 Euro and must be paid by all participants.

Costs for accommodation and meals will be covered by the Max Planck Institute.

Limited funding is available to partially cover travel expenses.

Scientific Program

Program structure:

Sunday, 12th July - arrival (recommended)

Monday, 13th July - 9 am program start

Thursday, 16th July - 5 pm program closure

Friday, 17th July - departure

The detailed program will be available by mid June 2026, approximately.

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Accommodation Information

Please beware of accommodation arrangements and other services offered by third parties. We urge you not to give your credit card details or other personal information. The organization of the event is solely handled by the Visitors Program of MPI-PKS Dresden and its staff, and any communication on the topic of accommodation will always come from @pks.mpg.de addresses or from the scientific coordinators. If in doubt, please contact us via the event email address or via visitors[at]pks.mpg(dot)de. Thank you!