Advancing AI Research Through Collaborative Exploration

IVADO’s Thematic Semesters Program provides a structured environment for researchers across disciplines to explore fundamental and applied challenges in artificial intelligence (AI). Each semester serves as a platform for collaborative research, interdisciplinary discussion, and knowledge mobilization, bringing together experts from across disciplines to tackle emerging scientific and technological questions in AI.

The program aligns with IVADO’s R3AI vision (Robust, Reasoning, and Responsible AI and its adoption in society) and is designed to foster innovative approaches that bridge theory and practice.

Thematic Semester Program Overview

A Thematic Semester is an intensive 4 to 6-month research program centered on a key AI challenge or emerging topic. These semesters are structured to maximize scientific impact, encourage cross-disciplinary engagement, and stimulate new research directions through a combination of long-term visits, collaborative workshops, and networking opportunities.

Each semester is led by a small group of internationally renowned experts and engages 10-14 invited long-term participants (both senior and junior researchers) who spend at least one month in Montreal. The program creates a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives integrate to tackle complex AI challenges and generate novel insights.

IVADO will support up to four Thematic Semesters in the 2027 calendar year, with two taking place from January to June 2027 and two from July to December 2027. Proposals may also request to start at any point during the year.

Key Components

Each Thematic Semester typically includes:

  • Workshops and Conferences – Three week-long workshops, each focusing on a different aspect of the semester’s scientific theme.
  • Bootcamp – An intensive introductory session ensuring all participants share a common foundation.
  • Interdisciplinary Seminars and Roundtables – Regular discussions on key scientific and societal challenges related to AI.
  • Long-Term Visitor Program – A curated group of leading researchers participating in extended stays to contribute to the program’s intellectual ecosystem.
  • Networking and Collaboration Opportunities – Dedicated sessions designed to facilitate interactions among researchers, industry leaders, and policymakers.

IVADO’s Thematic Semesters are primarily hosted in Montreal, leveraging the city’s thriving AI ecosystem, world-class research institutions, and vibrant innovation network.

Expectations for Organizers

To ensure the success of the program, IVADO expects all thematic semester organizers to spend the majority of the semester in Montreal, engaging directly with participants and leading activities. In particular, all semester organizers should be physically present for the full duration of all workshops.

Administrative and Logistical Support

IVADO provides full administrative support for the organization and execution of thematic semesters and workshops. Our team handles logistics, venue coordination, communications, participants support, and event planning, ensuring that organizers can focus on the scientific aspects of their program.

Workshops

Each Thematic Semester is expected to include three week-long workshops plus an initial bootcamp. However, we are open and flexible to the specific needs of the research community and encourage prospective organizers to contact us before submitting a proposal to discuss alternative structures.

Workshops typically include:

  • A fixed budget from IVADO, supporting up to 70 in-person participants
  • Travel and accommodation funding for workshop speakers. Workshop participants are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
  • Video recording and live streaming of all talks, though remote participation via Zoom is discouraged
  • A Monday-Friday structure, with 4-5 one-hour talks per day to allow time for in-depth informal discussions

If you envision a workshop of a different format or length, please discuss your proposal with the IVADO team before submission.

Long-Term Visitor Program

Long-term visitors play an integral role in the success of IVADO’s Thematic Semesters. Each semester supports 12-14 long-term visitors, who are expected to commit to at least one month in residence in Montreal, with many staying for a couple of months. Some participants, including ideally at least some members of the organizing committee, are encouraged to be in residence for the entire semester.

Long-term visitors are expected to actively contribute to the intellectual environment of the semester, engaging in workshops, seminars, mentoring, and collaborations with other participants. Their presence is crucial to fostering deep discussions, interdisciplinary exchange, and sustained research interactions.

Support for Long-Term Visitors

IVADO provides full administrative support for the long-term visitor program, including logistics and coordination. Additionally, IVADO offers long-term visitors a monthly stipend of $4,200 CAD to cover housing and travel expenses while in Montreal.

Guidelines and Criteria

Proposals will be reviewed and evaluated by IVADO’s Scientific Advisory Committee, which will then make recommendations to IVADO’s International Advisory Committee regarding which Thematic Semesters to support. Below are the criteria used in the selection of proposals.

Scientific Description

  • How well the proposed theme aligns with IVADO’s R3AI vision
  • The level of activity and size of the community in the proposed research area (ensuring a vibrant and diverse program of widespread interest)

Relevance of the Activity

  • The significance of the proposed topic within AI and its broader impact
  • The timeliness of the proposed topic, given current developments in the field
  • The uniqueness of the topic—if similar programs already exist elsewhere, the proposal should demonstrate its distinct value

Key Participants

  • Confirmed interest from leaders in the field and other key participants
  • Organizers should reach out informally to key researchers before submitting their proposal to confirm interest in attending in person

Organizing Committee

  • Diversity and interdisciplinarity within the organizing committee and key participants
  • The importance of the proposed semester to IVADO’s academic community

If you have any questions regarding proposal preparation, please contact the IVADO team before submission.

Submission Details

  • Deadline: June 20, 2025
  • Review Process: Proposals will be evaluated by IVADO’s Scientific Advisory Committee in mid-September 2025.
  • Number of Semesters Supported: IVADO will support up to four Thematic Semesters in 2027, with two running from January to June and two from July to December.
  • Submission Form >>

For more information on past and upcoming semesters, visit our Thematic Semesters Program page.

Contact Us

For inquiries, please reach out to conferences@ivado.ca

We encourage anyone interested to submit a proposal. IVADO is committed to academic freedom, inclusivity, and diversity, ensuring that all participants are treated with dignity and respect.