The Istanbul Swampland Spring School 2026 invites curious and motivated physics students to a unique, immersive learning experience. Designed primarily for advanced undergraduate students, the school is also well-suited for Master’s and early-stage PhD students who wish to deepen their understanding of the latest developments in theoretical physics. Its aim is to bridge the gap between standard curricula and the frontiers of contemporary research.
The school will be held from March 23 to 27, 2026, at the Department of Physics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey.
The program will explore cutting-edge topics in high-energy theory and quantum gravity, with a special focus on the Swampland program. This framework investigates which effective field theories can be consistently embedded in quantum gravity, providing a powerful conceptual lens to explore fundamental questions in string theory, cosmology, and particle physics.
Participants will engage with both foundational and advanced material through pedagogical lectures, interactive problem sessions, and discussion groups. Applicants should possess a solid background in classical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and general relativity. Participation will be limited to ensure an interactive and focused learning environment.
Registrations are open until March 20, 2026.
For Registration: Please fill in the form
Invited Lecturers
- Alessandro Borys (University of Catania, Italy)
- Ege Coban (DESY, Hamburg, Germany)
- Arda Hasar (Middle East Technical University, Türkiye)
Advisory Committee
- Ivano Basile (The Max Planck Institute for Physics, Germany)
- Ilmar Gahramanov (Boğaziçi University, Türkiye)
- Marco Scalisi (University of Catania, Italy)
- Thomas van Riet (KU Leuven, Belgium)
Organizing Committee
- Tolga Domurcukgül (North Carolina State University, US)
- Alessandro Borys (University of Catania, Italy)
- Mustafa Mullahasanoglu (Boğaziçi University, Türkiye)
Scientific Program
23 March Monday
| 15.00-16.00 | Opening talk | Alessandro Borys |
| 16.00-17.00 | Introduction to the Swampland Program | Arda Hasar |
| 17.00-17.30 | Coffee Break | |
| 17.30–19.00 | Exercise Session | Arda Hasar |
24 March Tuesday
| 15.00-16.00 | Distance Conjecture | Ege Çoban |
| 16.00-16.30 | Coffee Break | |
| 16.30-17.30 | Weak Gravity Conjecture and Phenomenological Implications | Alessandro Borys |
| 17.30-18.00 | Coffee Break | |
| 18.00-19.30 | Exercise Session | Ege Çoban |
25 March Wednesday
| 15.00-16.00 | Distance Conjecture and Emergent Strings | Ege Çoban |
| 16.00-17.00 | Discussion Session | |
| 17.00-17.30 | Coffee Break | |
| 17.30-19.00 | Exercise Session | Alessandro Borys |
26 March Thursday
| 15.00-16.00 | AdS Conjecture and Festina Lente | Arda Hasar |
| 16.00-16.30 | Coffee Break | |
| 16.30-17.30 | dS Conjecture and Species Scale in Quantum Gravity | Alessandro Borys |
| 17.30-18.00 | Coffee Break | |
| 18.00-19.30 | Exercise Session | Arda Hasar |
27 March Friday (Research Talks)
| 15.00-16.00 | Research Talk | Ege Çoban |
| 16.00-16.30 | Coffee Break | |
| 16.30-17.30 | Research Talk | Arda Hasar |
| 17.30-18.00 | Coffee Break | |
| 18.00-19.00 | Research Talk | Alessandro Borys |
Istanbul Integrability and Stringy Topics Initiative 