TALES OF BLACK HOLES
INTERNATIONAL DOCTORAL SUMMER SCHOOL ON ADVANCED BLACK HOLE PHYSICS
Black holes are among the most fascinating objects in the universe. From cosmological, galactic and stellar scales, where black holes are integral pieces in the formation and evolution of different structures, to microscopic scales, where the study of the fabric of spacetime and black hole interiors are interrelated, black holes are ubiquitous in all research areas in which gravity is a prominent actor. A proper understanding of many aspects of modern physics requires being familiar with the concept of black hole; conversely, comprehending black holes in all their dimensions requires extensive knowledge in diverse branches of physics, including geometry, thermodynamics, fluid dynamics, quantum field theory and numerical analysis.
This summer school will offer PhD and MSc students the opportunity to gain a solid understanding of the theory, phenomenology and observations of black holes and acquire a broad perspective of current research tendencies. Lectures covering each of these aspects will be delivered by three leading international experts.
The school will take place in the historical Carmen de la Victoria at the heart of the Albayzín, the old Arab neighborhood of Granada, where all participants will be hosted on a full board basis. The Carmen de la Victoria faces the famous Alhambra, the place of inspiration of the popular book by Washington Irving that the name of the school pays homage to.
THE CONCEPT
Three courses on theoretical, phenomenological and observational aspects of black holes, imparted by leading international experts.
THE VENUE
All school activities take place in the historical Carmen de la Victoria, a beautiful complex of gardens and water features facing the Alhambra.
THE LOCATION
Granada is one of the most beautiful cities in Spain and a unique town in terms of history, culture and gastronomy.
2026 Edition, 29 June–3 July
Vitor Cardoso
Center of Gravity,
Niels Bohr Institute
• Testing general relativity with black holes •
Peter Galison
Harvard University
• Black hole imaging through scientific, philosophical and cultural lenses •
Elizabeth Winstanley
University of Sheffield
• Quantum field theory on black hole spacetimes •
2025 Edition, 23–27 June
Sara Issaoun
Center for Astrophysics,
Harvard & Smithsonian
• Present and future of
black hole imaging •
Luis Lehner
Perimeter Institute
• Numerical simulations of black holes beyond general relativity •
Matt Visser
Victoria University
of Wellington
• Quantum effects in black holes and their alternatives •
The 2026 Edition will be open for registration soon!
— DEADLINE February 28, 2026 —