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The workshop Relativistic Thermodynamics: From Mathematical and Conceptual Foundations to Applications, to be held on 15-17 June 2026 at Newcastle University, UK, aims to bring together researchers working across a broad spectrum of theoretical and experimental physics, including classical and quantum thermodynamics, relativistic physics, quantum field theory and gravitation, and the philosophy of physics.

Despite its long and distinguished history, thermodynamics continues to pose profound challenges when formulated in relativistic, quantum and gravitational settings. Recent years have witnessed rapid developments in areas such as quantum information theory, non-equilibrium thermodynamics and analogue gravity, highlighting the need for renewed dialogue between research communities that often develop their tools and concepts in parallel.

The workshop is designed as a focused, discussion-driven event, providing a platform for in-depth exchange of ideas, conceptual clarification and the development of new interdisciplinary connections.

The workshop seeks to:

  • advance conceptual clarity in relativistic and quantum thermodynamics
  • promote mathematically consistent formulations applicable to curved spacetime and non-inertial frames
  • explore operational and information-theoretic perspectives on thermodynamic quantities
  • connect foundational insights with emerging applications in quantum technologies and gravitational physics

By encouraging sustained interaction between participants from diverse backgrounds, the event aims to stimulate new ideas and research directions that would be difficult to achieve within a single subfield.

Workshop Topics

The scientific programme will cover a broad range of topics, including (but not limited to):

  • stochastic and non-equilibrium thermodynamics in curved spacetime
  • foundational aspects of relativistic thermodynamic
  • thermodynamics and information in quantum field theory
  • quantum clocks, quantum reference frames and indefinite causal order
  • quantum thermometry and quantum sensing
  • gravitational and horizon thermodynamics
  • analogue gravity and emergent spacetime models

The breadth of topics reflects the workshop’s emphasis on cross-fertilisation between methods, concepts and communities.

The workshop will run over three full days and will feature:

  • invited lectures by leading researchers in the field
  • contributed talks and posters by early-career researchers and PhD students
  • extended coffee breaks to encourage informal discussions
  • ample time for questions, open discussion and spontaneous interaction

 

This event is supported by the UK Research and Innovation Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and Newcastle University.