CALL FOR WORKSHOP PROPOSALS -- NIPS*2000 ===================================== Neural Information Processing Systems Natural and Synthetic NIPS*2000 Post-Conference Workshops December 1 and 2, 2000 Breckenridge, Colorado ===================================== Following the regular program of the Neural Information Processing Systems 2000 conference, workshops on various current topics in neural information processing will be held on December 1 and 2, 2000, in Breckenridge, Colorado. Proposals by qualified individuals interested in chairing one of these workshops are solicited. Example topics include: Active Learning, Architectural Issues, Attention, Audition, Bayesian Analysis, Bayesian Networks, Benchmarking, Brain Imaging, Computational Complexity, Computational Molecular Biology, Control, Genetic Algorithms, Graphical Models, Hippocampus and Memory, Hybrid Supervised/Unsupervised Learning Methods, Hybrid HMM/ANN Systems, Implementations, Independent Component Analysis, Mean-Field Methods, Markov Chain Monte-Carlo Methods, Music, Network Dynamics, Neural Coding, Neural Plasticity, On-Line Learning, Optimization, Recurrent Nets, Robot Learning, Rule Extraction, Self-Organization, Sensory Biophysics, Signal Processing, Spike Timing, Support Vectors, Speech, Time Series, Topological Maps, and Vision. The goal of the workshops is to provide an informal forum for researchers to discuss important issues of current interest. There will be six hours of workshop meetings per day, split into morning and afternoon sessions, with free time in between for ongoing individual exchange or outdoor activities. Controversial issues, open problems, and comparison of competing approaches are encouraged and preferred as workshop topics. Representation of alternative viewpoints and panel-style discussions are particularly encouraged. Descriptions of previous workshops may be found at http://www.cs.cmu.edu/Groups/NIPS/NIPS99/Workshops/ Select workshops may be invited to submit their workshop proceedings for publication as part of a new series of monographs for the post-NIPS workshops. Workshop organizers will have responsibilities including: ++ coordinating workshop participation and content, which includes arranging short informal presentations by experts, arranging for expert commentators to sit on a discussion panel, formulating a set of discussion topics, etc. ++ moderating the discussion, and reporting its findings and conclusions to the group during evening plenary sessions ++ writing a brief summary and/or coordinating submitted material for post-conference electronic dissemination. ======================= Submission Instructions ======================= Interested parties should submit a short proposal for a workshop of interest via email by May 26, 2000. Proposals should include title, description of what the workshop is to address and accomplish, proposed workshop length (1 or 2 days), planned format (mini-conference, panel discussion, combinations of the above, etc), and proposed speakers. Names of potential invitees should be given where possible. Preference will be given to workshops that reserve a significant portion of time for open discussion or panel discussion, as opposed to pure "mini-conference" format. An example format is: ++ Tutorial lecture providing background and introducing terminology relevant to the topic. ++ Two short lectures introducing different approaches, alternating with discussions after each lecture. ++ Discussion or panel presentation. ++ Short talks or panels alternating with discussion and question/answer sessions. ++ General discussion and wrap-up. We suggest that organizers allocate at least 50% of the workshop schedule to questions, discussion, and breaks. Past experience suggests that workshops otherwise degrade into mini-conferences as talks begin to run over. The proposal should motivate why the topic is of interest or controversial, why it should be discussed, and who the targeted group of participants is. It also should include a brief resume of the prospective workshop chair with a list of publications to establish scholarship in the field. Submissions should include contact name, address, email address, phone and fax numbers. Proposals should be emailed to [EMAIL PROTECTED] Proposals must be RECEIVED by May 26, 2000. If email is unavailable, mail to: NIPS Workshops, Rich Caruana, SCS CMU, 5000 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. Questions may be addressed to either of the Workshop Co-Chairs: Rich Caruana ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) Virginia de Sa ([EMAIL PROTECTED]) PROPOSALS MUST BE RECEIVED BY MAY 26, 2000
