Following the success of the previous editions, the Max‑Planck Computing and Data Facility (MPCDF), in partnership with NVIDIA, is pleased to invite you to another iteration of the workshop:
Fundamentals of Deep Learning
Date: Tuesday, 14 April 2026
Time: 09:00 - 17:00 CET
Venue: Hörsaal, Building D2, Garching Campus [ON-SITE ONLY]
Audience: MPG‑affiliated
This NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute (DLI) course provides a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of deep learning. Through practical exercises, you will train neural networks from the ground up for both computer vision and natural language processing applications. You’ll gain experience with essential tools and techniques to enhance model performance, and discover how to efficiently apply cutting-edge, pre-trained models to accelerate your own projects. By successfully completing the final assessment, you will earn an NVIDIA DLI certificate, demonstrating your proficiency in the foundational concepts and practical skills of deep learning.
Learning Objectives:
• Learn the fundamental techniques and tools required to train a deep learning model
• Gain experience with common deep learning data types and model architectures
• Enhance datasets through data augmentation to improve model accuracy
• Leverage transfer learning between models to achieve efficient results with less data and computation
• Build confidence to take on your own project with a modern deep learning framework
Topics Covered:
• PyTorch
• Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNS)
• Data Augmentation
• Transfer Learning
• Natural Language Processing
Target Audience:
This introductory workshop is intended for MPG researchers, post‑docs, PhD students, and technical staff who are new to deep learning or who want to solidify their foundational knowledge. No prior experience with deep‑learning frameworks is required beyond basic Python 3 skills: familiarity with functions, loops, dictionaries, arrays, and Pandas data structures.
IMPORTANT
Eligibility is limited to individuals affiliated with the Max‑Planck Society (MPG). A valid MPG e‑mail address must be provided during registration. If a MPG e‑mail address cannot be entered, participants must submit proof of affiliation in the form of a brief confirmation e‑mail from their supervisor.
Hardware Requirements:
Laptop capable of running the latest version of Chrome or Firefox. Each participant will be provided with dedicated access to a fully configured, GPU-accelerated server in the cloud.
How to Apply:
Please submit your application by Thursday, 9 April 2026 using the following link:
Apply Here – https://plan.events.mpg.de/e/dli-fdl
Participation is limited to the first 50 applicants, so we encourage you to apply promptly.
Contacts:
If you have any questions about the workshop or the application process, feel free to contact us at
ai-training@mpcdf.mpg.de
We look forward to welcoming you to an inspiring day of learning and collaboration.