Quantum Cambridge-Oxford-Warwick Colloquium (QCOW)

QCOW is a new series of meetings dedicated to advancing the understanding of fundamental questions and open problems in quantum complexity theory. The meetings will rotate between universities of Cambridge, Oxford, and Warwick, with each event focusing on a specific theme within the theoretical foundations of quantum computation. The aim is to foster a sustained exchange of ideas among researchers in the field—bringing together leading experts, academics and postdoctoral scholars, and students who share a deep interest in the rigorous study of quantum computational power and its limitations.

By providing a forum for in-depth discussion and collaboration, the QCOW Colloquium seeks to strengthen and expand the community of researchers working on quantum computing theory, stimulate new research directions, and inspire the next generation of scientists in this rapidly evolving discipline.

QCOW is organized by Tom Gur (Cambridge), Sergii Strelchuk (Oxford) and Matthias Caro (Warwick).

The inaugural QCOW Colloquium will take place on December 11-12, 2025 at the Department of Computer Science, University of Oxford.

First QCOW Colloquium: Quantum Low-Depth Complexity

Quantum Low-Depth Complexity is one of the most rapidly developing sub-fields in quantum complexity theory, characterizing the limits of computational power under strict depth constraints. Low-depth, or shallow, quantum circuits form a natural testbed for understanding how limited quantum resources can nonetheless yield tasks believed to be hard for classical computation. Studying these models further illuminates the structure of quantum advantage, connecting circuit complexity, entanglement and magic generation, and barriers for their efficient classical simulation. It provides a fertile ground for developing new techniques in circuit analysis and for studying the landscape of quantum versus classical computational separations. As such, it represents one of the most vibrant interfaces between quantum information theory and computational complexity today.

The two-day meeting will include a blend of tutorial-style lectures and accessible, in-depth expositions of recent major advances in the area. The number of places is limited. Please fill in the registration form and wait for a notification of the outcome.

We gratefully acknowledge Hon Hai Quantum Computing Research Center as the exclusive sponsor of this colloquium.

Confirmed speakers

• Anurag Anshu (Harvard University)
• João Doriguello (Alfréd Rényi Institute of Mathematics)
• Mina Doosti (University of Edinburgh)
• Daniel Grier (University of California, San Diego)
• Jonas Haferkamp (Saarland University)
• Greg Rosenthal (University of Toronto)
• Sathya Subramanian (University of Oxford)
• Francisca Vasconcelos (University of California, Berkeley)

All talks will take place on December 11-12, 2025 in the Bill Roscoe Lecture Theatre (LTB) at the Department of Computer Science, Wolfson Building, Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QD .

December 10: Complexity Network Meeting

You are also welcome to attend 7th in-person Complexity Network meeting at Oxford. (register here!) This event is co-organised by classical complexity theorists at Warwick, Oxford and Imperial College, with the intention of sharing some of our recent research findings and starting new collaborations. The event is free and open to all who are interested. If you are interested in participating and/or giving a talk, please register using the link above.

What's On in Oxford

Explore the city while you're here — Oxford lights up for the season with a great mix of markets, music and merriment. The city's festive market, Christmas in Oxford on Broad Street, runs through late December and features wooden stalls, mulled wine, live music and artisan gifts. If you have time for a day-trip, nearby Blenheim Palace stages a winter light-trail and artisan market - perfect for a pre/ and post-colloquium wander.