ELLIS Unit Amsterdam: Recap on Winter School 'Foundation Models'

Initiated in 2024, the Winter School is “for the curious-minded, for those that want to build the next frontier of models, that want to analyze how they behave, and to see them deployed in a responsible manner, and to have a European network of peers and researchers,” explains Yuki Asano (ELLIS Scholar, University of Nuremberg, Co‑organiser of the FoMo School).

Building on this mission, the 2026 edition highlighted emerging trends and directions in foundation models. Cees Snoek (ELLIS Fellow, University of Amsterdam, Co‑organiser of the FoMo School), noted that alongside work on hyperbolic and tabular foundation models, a particularly exciting development is the rise of world models—systems that predict what is happening in the world and help anticipate future events. Several lectures stood out for their clarity and energy, and for the way they linked cutting‑edge research with concrete societal implications, encouraging participants to reflect on where they want to make their own contributions.

Curious to learn more about the program, speakers, and projects? Check out the full article for all the details by ELLIS Unit Amsterdam.