OSP2028

About the Okinawa School in Physics (OSP)

The Okinawa School in Physics (OSP) is an international school organized by the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST), bringing together leading researchers and early-career scientists for intensive study and discussion in quantum science.

The series began in 2014 as the Okinawa School in Physics: Coherent Quantum Dynamics (CQD). Over the following decade, OSP developed into an international forum for advanced education and scientific exchange in quantum physics.

In 2025, the series entered a new phase reflecting the rapid development and growing interdisciplinarity of quantum science and technology. Rather than focusing on a single subject across successive editions, the renewed OSP explores different areas of quantum science, allowing each school to provide an in-depth introduction to an important and timely field.

The first school in the renewed series, OSP2025: From Quantum Key Distribution to the Quantum Internet, focused on quantum communication and brought together students and researchers from around the world at OIST Seaside House.

OSP2028 continues this renewed series with The Science of Open Quantum Systems, exploring a subject that connects many areas of contemporary quantum research.

Scientific Scope

OSP2028 will explore the theory, experimental realization and applications of open quantum systems, including topics such as:

• Foundations and theory of open quantum systems
• Decoherence and dissipation
• Quantum control
• Quantum thermodynamics
• Quantum computing and error processes
• Quantum sensing and metrology
• Quantum communication
• Many-body open quantum systems
• Atomic and trapped-ion systems
• Superconducting quantum systems
• Solid-state and diamond quantum systems
• Optomechanics
• Quantum materials
• Engineered environments and dissipative dynamics

Invited Lecturers

To be announced. Stay tuned for updates.

Program

OSP2028 will combine extended lecture courses by invited experts with shorter research presentations, contributed talks, scientific discussions and cultural activities.

The preliminary academic program is expected to include approximately:

• Invited lectures: 24 hours, eight invited lecturers, with approximately three hours of lectures each.
• Research and contributed talks: approximately 6 hours, selected shorter presentations highlighting current research across the field.
• Discussion and flexible sessions: approximately 2 hours

The program will also include opportunities for participants to present and discuss their own research, as well as cultural and social activities introducing participants to OIST, Okinawa and Japan.

A detailed program will be announced closer to the school.

Who Should Apply?

OSP2028 is aimed at students and early-career researchers with an interest in quantum science and technology.

Applications are welcome from MSc students, PhD students and postdoctoral researchers working in physics, materials science, mathematics, engineering and related areas. Applications from undergraduate students with significant research experience will also be considered.

Applicants do not need to be specialists in open quantum systems. The school is intended to bring together participants from a range of theoretical and experimental backgrounds and to provide broad exposure to the role of open quantum systems across modern quantum science and technology.

Approximately 35 participants will be selected.

The organizers aim to create a scientifically and geographically diverse cohort representing different research areas, career stages and perspectives.

Application & Selection

Participants will be selected based on their academic and research background, motivation for attending OSP2028, previous research experience, and the expected benefit of participation at their current career stage.

Research experience will be considered relative to the applicant's career stage. Applicants may describe relevant research projects, internships, thesis work or other research activities.

The organizers aim to select a diverse cohort spanning theoretical and experimental research and different areas of quantum science and technology, while also considering geographical and career-stage diversity.

Important Dates

Proposed dates — subject to confirmation by the organizers.

Fees & Accomodation

The registration fee for OSP2028 is ¥125,000.

The fee includes:

• Participation in the full scientific program
• Accommodation at OIST Seaside House for the duration of the school
• Meals provided as part of the school program
• Organized social and cultural activities

Participants are responsible for arranging and covering the cost of their own travel to and from Okinawa.

Please note that OSP2028 is not able to provide travel or registration-fee support to participants. Applicants are encouraged to explore funding opportunities through their home institutions, supervisors, research groups or other external sources.

Organizers

Jason Twamley
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)

Hiroki Takahashi
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)

Shu Zhang
Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology (OIST)

Secretariat
Email: osp2028 [at] oist.jp 

Travel Information

Flight and Accommodation
A lot of international airlines fly to Japan and onwards to Okinawa. Some international airlines also fly directly to Okinawa from other airports in Asia. We only provide accommodation in shared twin rooms. Please note that if you want to arrange your own accommodation, you will also have to arrange your own daily transport.

Getting to Seaside House
Naha Airport → arranged OSP transportation / bus / taxi / rental car information.

Visa Information
For international participants requiring a Japanese visa, instructions will be provided after acceptance.

Currency Exchange
Bureau de Change: Very limited currency exchange service available at  Naha airport and none near OIST. Money exchange in your country or at major airports (Narita/Kansai/Nagoya) is strongly advised.
ATMs: ATMs for credit card cashing are available in Naha Airport or nearby post offices/ some convenience stores. Please be advised that some credit cards might not be accepted due to credit card policy.

Climate
Okinawa has a subtropical climate, with generally mild winters compared with mainland Japan. During late January and early February, daytime temperatures are typically around 17–20°C, while temperatures in the morning and evening may fall to around 12–15°C.
Weather conditions can vary considerably. Sunny days can feel pleasantly mild, while cloudy, rainy or windy conditions—particularly near the coast—can feel considerably cooler. Participants should therefore be prepared for both mild and cool weather during their stay.
We recommend checking the weather forecast shortly before traveling to Okinawa.

Clothes
Participants are advised to bring layers suitable for changeable winter weather. Long trousers, long-sleeved shirts, sweaters or light fleece layers, and a light to medium-weight jacket are recommended.
As OIST Seaside House is located close to the ocean, conditions can sometimes be windy, and a wind-resistant and/or waterproof outer layer is useful. An umbrella or lightweight rain jacket is also recommended.
Comfortable walking shoes are advisable, particularly for excursions and outdoor activities.
Indoor spaces at OIST are climate-controlled, so clothing that can be easily layered or removed is the most practical choice.
Heavy winter clothing is generally not necessary in Okinawa, but participants should not expect summer conditions during this time of year.

Electricity
The AC outlet in Japan is 100 V and fits plugs with two parallel blades (Type A, similar to USA). Please check if the AC adapter of your laptop is compatible with Japanese style and bring a plug adapter or a voltage converter if necessary.

Facilities of OIST Seaside House

• Internet: WiFi available in public space. Wired LAN is available in guest rooms.
• Amenities: Shampoo and conditioner, body soap, hair dryer and room slippers.
• Laundry rooms: equipped with washer-dryers, detergent and ironing board sets.
• Phones: Public phone available in the lobby area. Calling card is required to make a domestic/international phone call. You may wish to purchase international calling cards at major airports as they are not provided at Seaside House. Some credit cards work by entering your credit card numbers and PIN code. Phone equipped in each guest room is for in-house calls only.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who can apply to OSP2025? Undergraduate/ Msc/ PhD students and postdocs at universities or academic/ industrial institutes. Priority will be given to Msc and PhD students.
2. Is there a registration fee to participate in OSP2028? Yes, there is 125,000JPY for registration fee that need to be paid after acceptance. OIST will cover your twin-share lodging and meals at Seaside House.  All the participants are expected to arrive in Okinawa on Sunday September 21st and depart from Okinawa on Friday October 3rd afternoon (after the morning lectures and lunch). We will provide you with twin-shared accommodation during this period and transport support on these arrival and departure dates. If you are a light-sleeper, we recommend you bring earplugs in case your room-mate snores!
3. What poster size should I bring?  Can OIST print my poster? Please note that we do not provide a poster printing service, so kindly print your poster before arriving in Okinawa and remember to bring it with you. Posters should be A0 size, portrait orientation.
4. Do I need to work specifically on open quantum systems?
   Can undergraduate students apply?
   Can postdocs apply?
   How many recommendation letters are required?
   Is accommodation included?
   Are meals included?
   Is travel support available?
   Do I need to present my research?
   Can I request a single room?
   Can I arrive early/stay later?
   Can OIST provide visa documents?
   When will results be announced?

Code of Conduct for OIST Workshops

Purpose
To ensure that all participants have a clear understanding of the behavior that is expected of them.

Code of Conduct
We are committed to making our workshops (workshop(s) organized by OIST, hereinafter “our workshop(s)”) an inclusive space for sharing ideas and knowledge. We will not tolerate disrespectful communication, discrimination, harassment, or bullying in any form. As such, all participants attending our workshops are required to comply with this Code of Conduct. To provide all participants the opportunity to benefit from our workshops, we at OIST are dedicated to a positive, safe and harassment-free experience. Harassment in any form is specifically prohibited.

What is Harassment?
Harassment involves continued antisocial or unreasonable actions that violate a reasonable person’s personal rights and/or dignity and cause mental suffering, and thus worsen the person’s environment or make him/her anxious about participation. Behavior that is acceptable to one person may not be acceptable to another, so we ask that you use discretion to be sure that respect is communicated. Harassment intended in a joking manner nevertheless constitutes unacceptable behavior. Speech that is not welcomed or that is personally offensive, whether it is based on gender, age, sexual orientation, mental or physical disability, ethnicity, national origin, religion etc. will not be tolerated.

If you are being harassed, notice that someone else is being harassed, or have any other concerns, please bring this to the immediate attention of the organizers. If you wish to report an issue concerning the organizers, you can contact the Conference and Workshop Section directly and submit a confidential report by sending an email to workshop-codeofconduct@oist.jp (use the provided Report Form Template to submit your report. You can attach other type of files to the email if necessary).

All complaints will be taken seriously and responded to by the Dean of Research promptly. Confidentiality will be maintained to the extent that it does not compromise the rights of others. Individuals found in breach of this Code of Conduct will be dismissed from the workshop immediately. Retaliation for reporting harassment is also a violation of Code of Conduct, as is reporting an incident in bad faith.

Previous Editions

OSP2025 — From Quantum Key Distribution to the Quantum Internet
September 21 – October 3, 2025
[Visit OSP2025]