Call for Participation
WiML 4th Un-Workshop @ ICML 2023
[submissions are now closed]
The Women in Machine Learning will be organizing the fourth un-workshop at ICML 2023. The un-workshop is based on the concept of an un-conference, a form of discussion on a pre-selected topic that is primarily driven by participants. Different from the traditional workshop format, the un-workshop’s main focus is topical breakout sessions with short invited talks and casual, informal discussions. This is an event format to encourage more participant interaction and we are excited to be able to explore this format fully in-person this year!
This year’s goal: the purpose of the un-workshop is to bring together researchers who identify as a woman, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming, fostering an environment for constructive discussions on research and career advancement. This year we particularly encourage mid-career researchers that identify as a woman, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming participate and contribute in the un-workshop! However, everyone, regardless of their career stage or gender, is warmly welcomed to participate and join in the discussions! We'd love for you to submit a one-page proposal to lead one of the breakout sessions. This is just one of the many ways you can contribute to the conversation - check out the other options below! While the presentations will be led by woman, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming individuals, all genders are invited to attend!
IMPORTANT DATES
June 3rd, 2023 -- Application Form opens!
June 19th, 2023 June 24th, 2023 -- Deadline (Anywhere on Earth) to apply for a breakout session, registration fee funding, or volunteering
June 24th, 2023 June 30th 2023 -- Notification of acceptance for all of the above (midnight Anywhere on Earth)
July 28th, 2023 -- WiML Un-Workshop Day
Participate in the WiML Unworkshop
Lead or engage in a breakout session: submit a proposal to lead a breakout session on a certain topic, either research oriented or about career development.
Volunteer: seize this opportunity to contribute to the success of this WiML event! Help is needed with the technical setup and to fulfill the diverse needs that pop up during the event!
Attend: participate in breakout session discussions, attend talks and/or panel discussions, come around for a chat with coffee!
1. Breakout session proposals: A breakout session is a 1-hour free-form discussion overseen by 1-3 leaders, with contributions from named participants, and with assistance from 1-2 facilitators to take notes and encourage participant interactions. We strongly encourage women, nonbinary and/or gender non-conforming individuals in all areas of machine learning to submit a proposal to lead or be a named participant in a topical breakout session. Compared to breakout sessions in previous years, we are making the following exciting changes for this year!
First, we are expanding beyond technical and research topics. This year, we also encourage proposals related to growth, career development, and other non-technical topics that would be of interest to women, non-binary and/or gender non-confirming individuals in ML (particularly those who are mid-career).
Second, we are introducing a new way of participating in breakout sessions: named participants. If you have an interesting idea or project that you think can spark productive discussion, or there is a topic that really interest you and you would be up for discussing it, we encourage you to submit a summary/position paper/poster. This can include both technical and non-technical topics. If there is a good match between your submission and the breakout session proposals, you will be matched with a breakout session leader and asked to contribute to the breakout session as a named participant. The exact nature of your contribution will be determined by your assigned session leader.
You may apply to be a breakout session leader and/or apply to be a named participant.
Guidance for applying to be a breakout session leader: your one-page proposal PDF should include a description of your proposed topic, why it is important/relevant, potential discussion questions, and how you would incorporate named participants (as described above).
Guidance for applying to be a named participant: identify a topic, idea, or project that would be a good starting point for a discussion. This can be anything ranging from a summary of the topic and why you think it is relevant for WiML community, an unpolished idea, or a completed research project. Focus on explaining how your idea/project is relevant to a broader audience and what questions it sparks. Submissions must be one-page PDFs. Try to explain in simple language with minimal technical jargon.
More information for leaders:
A complete proposal consists of a 1 page PDF, along with the names and bios of leaders and facilitators submitted separately in the application form. Proposals need not be anonymized. We strongly recommend having at least 2 leaders, with a diverse set of leaders preferred (see selection criteria below). The names of facilitators should also be provided. WiML registration fee funding is prioritized for accepted breakout session leaders who fulfill certain eligibility criteria (see details below). Only one proposal submission per leader is allowed. If there are multiple leaders, only one leader needs to submit the proposal. There are no proceedings.
Guidelines for and roles of leaders:
Breakout session leaders must identify as a woman, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming
Point-out key characteristics of your topic and make connections with other topics
Describe the key challenges and approaches in this research area or career topic on a high-level
Highlight possible points of discussion/goals to achieve during the session
Use graphics/imagery and materials, e.g. slides, as needed
Encourage inclusive (rather than unilateral) discussions
Leaders should anticipate a small additional time commitment before the un-workshop to receive briefing/training and a possible dry run
Submission instructions for breakout sessions:
Proposals must be no more than 1 page (including any references, tables, and figures) submitted as a PDF.
Main body text must be minimum 11 point font size and page margins must be minimum 0.75 inches (all sides).
Your proposal should stand alone, without linking to a longer paper or supplement.
You should provide a brief description of the topics you’d like to discuss, any relevant references, a plan for how you would organize the time (1 hour) allocated for a session, as well as some ideas on how you would encourage discussion and participant interaction during the session.
Selection criteria for breakout sessions:
The degree to which it is expected that participants will find the topic interesting and valuable.
Diversity of leaders and facilitators, including diversity of experience/seniority, affiliation, race, viewpoint and thinking regarding the topic, etc.
Plans for encouraging discussion and participant interaction during the session.
More information for named participants:
Guidelines for and roles of named participants:
Breakout session named participants must be women, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming
Point out key characteristics of your topic and make connections with other topics.
Describe how your work or knowledge contributes to this area.
Highlight possible points of discussion/goals to achieve during the session.
Use graphics/imagery and materials e.g. slides as needed
Encourage inclusive (rather than unilateral) discussions
Submission instructions:
Proposals must be no more than 1 page (including any references, tables, and figures) submitted as a PDF.
Main body text must be minimum 11 point font size and page margins must be minimum 0.75 inches (all sides).
Your proposal should stand alone, without linking to a longer paper or supplement.
You should provide a brief description of the topics you’d like to discuss, any relevant references, and specifics around how you could contribute to the conversation.
2. Volunteering: We are seeking volunteers to help with technical setup and help during the event. You can indicate if you can help in any way in the corresponding section of the application form. Note: We also encourage you to apply for ICML volunteer and funding opportunities, which are separate and independent of WiML funding. Check the ICML website directly for details.
3. Participation instructions: To participate in ANY of the above roles and/or apply for registration fee funding, please fill in the application form by June 19, 2023. Selected breakout session leaders, breakout session participants, volunteers, and funding recipients will be notified individually by the dates mentioned above. If you only wish to attend, we still recommend you fill in this form to provide your topic preferences. All participants are required to abide by the WiML Code of Conduct.
4. Registration fee funding: To apply for funding, you should identify as a woman, non-binary and/or gender non-conforming and commit to participating in at least one breakout session as a leader, named participant, facilitator, or attendee. Due to limited funding, we may not be able to support everyone eligible; however, we hope to support as many eligible applicants as possible. Accepted breakout session leaders or named participants who do not have other sources of registration fee funding will be prioritized for WiML funding. Other participants are also encouraged to apply. In your application, please indicate any funding sources you may have and how WiML's support is needed. Please note that WiML is able to fund registration fees only (not travel and accommodation) for selected participants.
Further questions? Check out the FAQs (https://wimlworkshop.org/faq/) or reach us at workshop@wimlworkshop.org
5. A sneak peak of other activities that the workshop will host: We will give more details closer to the event but the workshop will include a sponsor roundtable, where you will have the opportunity to interact and network with our sponsors. Furthermore, we will facilitate networking, mentoring, and impromptu discussions during the event. Stay tuned!