Quanta to Qualia
A 5-day workshop at the intersection of quantum mechanics and consciousness.
August 11–15, 2026 · Montreal & Eastman, Quebec, Canada.
Where Physics Meets Consciousness
Consciousness is one of the deepest unsolved problems in science.Quanta to Qualia is founded on the idea that progress on these questions will require a new kind of interdisciplinary science, bringing together physics, neuroscience, computer science, and philosophy.
This first workshop brings 30 invited quantum physicists and philosophers of mind to Canadian nature for five days, to make progress at the intersection of quantum mechanics and consciousness. An initiative of CUSAC in collaboration with Nirvanic.ai, organised by FQxI in collaboration with ÉTS.
Research Directions
Foundations of Consciousness Science
Clarifying the core questions — why consciousness exists, which systems possess it, and what functional role it plays — while developing precise, operational criteria that can guide both theory and experiment.
Physics-Based Models of Consciousness
Developing and evaluating mathematically explicit frameworks that connect physical processes to conscious experience, including information-theoretic, dynamical systems, and quantum-inspired approaches.
Constraints from Fundamental Physics
Investigating how results from quantum information theory, thermodynamics, and complexity theory limit the kinds of information-processing systems that could realize consciousness or agency.
Quantum Biology & Neural Mechanisms
Critically assessing proposals that posit quantum processes in biological systems, including candidate mechanisms in the brain such as nuclear spins and microtubules.
Testing Idealist & Panpsychist Frameworks
Engaging with approaches that treat consciousness as fundamental, by translating their core claims into empirically testable hypotheses and subjecting them to rigorous experimental evaluation.
Large-Scale Experimental Platforms
Leveraging quantum devices, simulations, and AI-driven environments to design and run high-powered experiments capable of discriminating between competing theories of consciousness.
Artificial Consciousness & Ethics
Developing principled methods for assessing consciousness in artificial systems, and addressing the ethical implications of increasingly capable AI.
Schedule
Arrival day. Fly in and settle into your accommodation.
Opening day open to the wider Montreal community. Morning talks on the hard problem and quantum mechanics open problems, afternoon sessions, followed by wine & cheese and dinner.
Chartered bus to the Spa Eastman retreat venue. Afternoon and evening sessions in nature.
Full day of focused workshops and discussions at the retreat venue.
Final day at the retreat. Morning sessions, afternoon conclusion talk, dinner and closing party.
Chartered bus back to Montreal. Lunch and departures.
Venues
ÉTS Montreal
Opening Day — Public Event
The workshop opens at École de technologie supérieure in downtown Montreal, with talks and panels open to the wider community. Invite potential donors and collaborators for an inspiring first day.
Spa Eastman
Retreat — Invited Researchers
A retreat in the heart of Quebec nature. Three days of focused workshops and discussions in a restorative setting, designed to spark deep collaboration between quantum physicists and philosophers of mind.
Partners & Sponsors
An initiative of CUSAC in collaboration with Nirvanic.ai, organised by FQxI in collaboration with ÉTS.
