Elastically Driven Phases and Dynamics in Quantum Materials

Workshop, September 1st - 3th, 2026

The interplay between electronic and lattice degrees of freedom in quantum materials gives rise to a wealth of novel phenomena, from unconventional superconductivity to complex magnetic and nematic orders. Strain tuning has proven to be a powerful tool to manipulate these states, providing access to quantum phases and instabilities that are otherwise challenging to realize. Recent developments have highlighted the role of altermagnetic states, nematic quantum liquids, and nonlinear electron-lattice interactions in strongly correlated systems.

This conference will bring together experimentalists and theorists to explore how strain can be used to probe and control electronic and structural properties in quantum materials. Discussions will focus on the tuning of competing charge and spin orders, mechanically responsive electronic states, and emergent collective dynamics. Particular attention will be given to novel experimental approaches that enable high-precision strain control and uncover hidden aspects of quantum correlations.

By gathering leading researchers in the field, the conference aims to advance our understanding of electronic-lattice interactions and their implications for future materials design and applications.

If you would like to attend the workshop, please apply by sending your abstract at spice(at)uni-mainz.de before May 20th 2026. If you don't have an abstract, you can also apply by submitting a short explanation of why you would like to attend the workshop. If your application is successful, you will receive a link to register in May 2026. Participation fee is 650 euros. Accommodation is not included.

Organizers

Elena Gati, MPI CPfS
David Kaib, GU Frankfurt
Jörg Schmalian, KIT
Jairo, Sinova, JGU
Roser Valenti, GU Frankfurt

Invited Speakers

Paul Canfield, Iowa State Johan Chang, Zurich University Andrey Chubukov, University of Minnesota Amalia Coldea, Oxford University Riccardo Comin, MIT Rafael Fernandes, University of Minnesota Ian Fisher, Stanford University Audrey Grockowiak, IFW Dresden Malte Grosche, University of Cambridge Kenichiro Hashimoto, University of Tokyo

Elena Hassinger, TU Dresden Clifford Hicks, University of Birmingham Harold Hwang, Stanford University Na Hyun Jo, University of Michigan Arun Paramekanti, Toronto Abhay Pasupathy, Columbia university Heike Pfau, Penn State Helena Reichlova, TU Dresden Linda Ye, Caltech