Call for Special Sessions

(To download the call for special sessions, please click here)

Special Sessions proposals, in particular in respect to the conference theme are most welcome. The special session organizer(s) should submit their special session proposal to the special session chairs as detailed below.

Special Session Details

A special session will generally include at least 4 and a maximum of 6 papers. It is expected that Special Session Chairs engage with their research community to promote their special session and thus support an appropriate number of quality submissions to ensure sufficient coverage of the Special Session topic in the conference to warrant inclusion in the program.
For a special session with less than 6 accepted papers, regular submission papers may be identified according to the organizers to complete the special session. Alternatively, papers associated with the special session may be placed in the regular program. Special session paper submissions are reviewed via the same exact process as submissions to the regular program, and papers are expected to meet the same quality standards.

What to submit as part of a Special Session proposal

Special Session proposals should clearly outline the research domain of the special session, highlighting its importance, impact, and relevance to the conference and community at large. As a minimum, proposals should include the special session title, a concise and accessible session description (this will be published on the website for accepted proposals), and a short biography of the organizers. The conference puts a strong emphasis on diversity and we encourage special session proposals from diverse teams.

Open Discussion Slot (ODS): We recognise that the traditional session format focusing on paper presentations and Q&A may not provide sufficient scope for research communities to engage in a broader discussion of the specific research area of the special session. To support such discussion, we invite special session proposers to optionally request an ODS. If awarded as part of the proposal review, special sessions will be allocated a dedicated timeslot for open discussion and small activities (e.g. mini-panel) during their session. If proposers would like to request an ODS, please include key information (1 paragraph) on what activities they foresee for the ODS, why it is needed and who will lead the activity on the day.

Proposal Submission and Evaluation

Proposals (in pdf, not exceeding 2 pages) and inquiries should be sent via e-mail to the Special Sessions Chairs: Francisco Herrera (herrera@decsai.ugr.es) and Sansanee Auephanwiriyakul (sansanee@eng.cmu.ac.th).

All proposals will be evaluated by the Organizing Committee. Proposals submitted after the deadline may not be considered.