ICTS

Water is ubiquitous in our physical environment, playing a key role in phenomena of paramount importance from nanometre to planetary scales. Despite its molecular simplicity, water exhibits remarkably complex behaviour across multiple spatial, temporal, and energetic scales. From the quantum mechanics of hydrogen bonding,  the formation and long-range collective dynamics of hydrogen-bond networks,  to the dynamics of biological systems, clouds, oceans, and planetary interiors, understanding water requires a combination of theoretical, computational, and data-driven methods. Recent advances in first-principles simulations, machine-learning potentials, and multiscale modelling have created unprecedented opportunities to study water with remarkable accuracy, while raising new challenges in integrating these approaches across scales.

Recognizing these developments, this two-week ICTS School and Workshop on Modelling Water Across Scales will bring together researchers working on molecular simulations, quantum chemistry, statistical physics, machine learning, biology, atmospheric science, and planetary science. The first week will comprise a graduate-level school introducing the fundamental concepts and modern computational methods needed to study water across scales. The second week will feature a research workshop focused on current advances, open challenges, and future directions, with invited talks, discussions, and poster sessions designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

School Themes:

• From First Principles to Machine Learning
• Quantum Effects in Water
• Water in Confinement and Interfacial Systems
• Water in Biological and Chemical Function
• ​Water at Extreme Conditions and Atmospheric Water

Eligibility Criteria: The program is primarily intended for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career faculty working in physics, chemistry, materials science, chemical engineering, earth and planetary sciences, and related disciplines. A limited number of highly motivated senior undergraduate students may also be considered. Applicants are expected to have a basic background in statistical mechanics, quantum mechanics, and molecular simulations or related computational methods.

Accommodation will be provided for outstation participants at our on-campus guest house.

ICTS is committed to building an environment that is inclusive, non-discriminatory and welcoming of diverse individuals. We especially encourage the participation of women and other under-represented groups.