AAAI 2026 Call for Papers: Submit Your Research to the Premier AI Conference

Hey everyone! So, the big AAAI 2026 call for papers is out, and if you’re into AI, you’ll want to pay attention. It’s basically the main event for AI research, happening in Singapore next year. Whether you’ve got something already working in the real world or just a cool idea that’s not quite there yet, they’re looking for your submissions. Plus, there are some neat awards and chances to connect with other AI folks. Let’s break down what you need to know to get your research in front of the right people.

Key Takeaways

• The AAAI 2026 conference is looking for research submissions and has specific deadlines for abstracts and full papers. Keep an eye on these dates, as they can sometimes get extended. The notification of acceptance and final paper due dates are also important to mark down.
• There are different tracks for submissions, like ‘Deployed Highly Innovative Applications of AI’ for things already in use and ‘Emerging Applications of AI’ for promising, not-yet-deployed projects. There’s also a track for ‘Tools and Methodologies for Moving Faster and Safer’ if you’ve built something to help others in AI development.
• When you submit, make sure your work is original and hasn’t been published elsewhere. Pay close attention to the page limits and formatting guidelines provided in the AAAI style. You can include extra material, but the main paper needs to stand on its own.
• The review process is single-blind, meaning reviewers know who you are, but you don’t know who they are. Some papers might go through a ‘shepherding’ process where a reviewer helps you improve it before a final decision is made. The program chairs have the final say on what gets accepted.
• AAAI 2026 isn’t just about submitting papers; it’s also about connecting. The conference includes IAAI 2026, which focuses on real-world applications, and opportunities like the Undergraduate Consortium for students to present their work and get mentored.

AAAI 2026 Call For Papers: Key Dates And Submission Deadlines

Getting your research in front of the AI community at AAAI 2026 means keeping a close eye on the calendar. Missing a deadline is a bummer, and nobody wants that. So, let’s break down the important dates you need to know to get your work submitted on time.

Abstract Submission Deadline

This is your first checkpoint. You’ll need to get your abstract, a concise summary of your research, submitted by August 1, 2025. Think of it as the elevator pitch for your paper. If you need a little extra time, there’s an extension until August 11, 2025, but don’t push your luck too far!

Full Paper Submission Deadline

After your abstract is in, you’ll have a bit more time to polish your full paper. The final deadline for submitting your complete research paper is August 8, 2025. Again, there’s a grace period, extending this to August 18, 2025. Make sure your paper is in the correct AAAI format and adheres to the page limits we’ll discuss later.

Notification of Acceptance

This is the big reveal! You’ll find out if your paper has been accepted, rejected, or if it’s a candidate for shepherding on October 1, 2025. This year, there isn’t a rebuttal period, so the notification is pretty final. However, if your paper is selected for shepherding, that’s a good sign – it means the committee sees potential and wants to work with you to improve it.

Camera-Ready Copy Due

If your paper is accepted (congratulations!), you’ll need to make any final revisions requested during the shepherding process. The deadline for submitting the final, camera-ready version of your paper is November 19, 2025. This is the version that will be published in the proceedings, so make sure it’s perfect.

Exploring Tracks For Your AI Research Submission

So, you’ve got some AI research you’re itching to share at AAAI 2026. That’s awesome! But where does it fit? The conference has laid out some specific tracks to help you find the perfect home for your work. It’s not just about the cool algorithms; it’s about how you’re actually using AI to make things happen.

Deployed Highly Innovative Applications of AI

This is the place for AI that’s already out there, doing its thing in the real world. We’re talking about applications that have been put into service and are actually being used by people. The key here is showing that your AI isn’t just theoretical – it’s delivering measurable benefits. Think about the problems you solved, how your AI approach was clever, and what actual improvements you’ve seen. You’ll need to talk about how it was deployed and what you learned along the way. This track is less about the nitty-gritty of the algorithms themselves (that’s more for the main AAAI conference) and more about the successful application and its impact. Accepted papers here get the IAAI ‘Innovative Application’ Certificate Award.

• Problem Description: Clearly state the challenge your AI addresses.
• AI Approach: Detail the methods you used.
• Innovation: Highlight what’s new about your AI’s use.
• Measurable Improvements: Quantify the benefits achieved.
• Deployment Details: Explain how it was put into practice.
• Lessons Learned: Share insights from the development and rollout.

Emerging Applications of AI

Got an AI idea that’s not quite deployed yet but shows serious promise? This track is for you. It’s about novel uses of AI for real-world issues that are on the horizon. You should show how your work could be used in the future, tackling new engineering or societal challenges. The focus is on the potential and practical relevance, with a clear path toward actual deployment. It’s a bit more selective than the deployed track, so make sure your potential shines through.

Tools and Methodologies for Moving Faster and Safer

This track is all about the practical stuff that helps us build and deploy AI systems better and more safely. We’re looking for papers on tools, methods, or even policies that speed up AI innovation or make deployment smoother. This could include:

• Incident Analysis: Papers that look back at AI failures or harms to understand what went wrong and how to prevent it.
• Best Practices: Sharing what works well for creating and deploying AI systems to avoid problems.
• Process and Organization Tools: Software or methods that help manage the development, testing, or rollout of AI.
• Data Quality Tools: Solutions for cleaning and preparing data for AI use.
• Meta-Optimization Tools: Ways to improve AI systems by fine-tuning their settings or choosing the right algorithms.
• Novel Computational Models: Tools that take advantage of new hardware like quantum computers or specialized AI chips.

Understanding Submission Requirements And Guidelines

Getting your research ready for AAAI 2026 involves a few key things to keep in mind. It’s not just about having great ideas; it’s also about presenting them in the right way. Let’s break down what you need to know.

Originality And Exclusivity Policy

First off, AAAI is looking for brand new work. Your paper must be original and not have been published anywhere else before, nor be under review by another conference or journal at the same time. This is pretty standard for academic conferences, but it’s worth repeating. They want to see what you’ve come up with that’s fresh. If you’ve got something that’s already out there, it’s probably not the right fit for AAAI.

Page Limits And Formatting

This is where things can get a bit detailed. Each track has its own page limits, so you’ll need to check the specific track you’re submitting to. Generally, for the main paper, you’ll be looking at a specific number of pages, but often, references and appendices don’t count towards this limit. That’s good news if you have a lot of background material or detailed proofs.

Here’s a quick look at some common page limits:

Make sure you download the official AAAI 2026 Author Kit. It has the templates you need to get the formatting just right. Papers that don’t follow these rules might not even get reviewed, so it’s important to get this part right. The papers need to be in PDF format, US letter size, and use the standard two-column layout.

Supplementary Material Guidelines

Sometimes, your main paper might not have enough space to include everything. That’s where supplementary material comes in. You can submit extra stuff like:

• A technical appendix with more details.
• Multimedia files, if they help explain your work.
• Code and data that support your findings.

While you can refer to this extra material in your main paper, remember that the reviewers aren’t required to look at it. Your main submission needs to stand on its own and make a strong case for your research. The evaluation will primarily be based on what’s in the main paper itself. So, use supplementary material to add depth, but don’t rely on it to carry your core argument.

Navigating The Review And Acceptance Process

So, you’ve put your AI research into a paper and hit submit. What happens next? It’s not just a black box, though it might feel like it sometimes. AAAI 2026 uses a single-blind review process. This means the reviewers know who you are – your names and affiliations will be visible to them. It’s important to be aware of this when you’re writing your paper, especially if you’re discussing sensitive topics or your own previous work.

After the initial review, some papers might get a special kind of attention called ‘shepherding’. Think of it like having a guide. If your paper is selected for shepherding, a member of the Program Committee will work with you. They’ll help you make the necessary changes to get your paper ready for acceptance. This usually involves adding more details, perhaps about how your AI was actually used in the real world, or clarifying certain points. The shepherd then gives a final recommendation to the committee.

Ultimately, the Program Chairs have the final say on whether your paper gets accepted. They’re the ones who make the call. It’s a good idea to remember that even if you get great reviews, acceptance isn’t guaranteed until that final decision comes through. It’s all part of the process to make sure the conference features the best and most relevant AI research out there.

Awards And Recognition For Outstanding Research

AAAI 2026 isn’t just about presenting your latest work; it’s also about celebrating the groundbreaking contributions that push the boundaries of artificial intelligence. We have a few ways we’re recognizing excellence this year, so keep an eye out!

Festo Best Use of AI in Industrial Engineering Award

This award, sponsored by Festo, is specifically looking for the most creative ways AI is being used in industrial engineering. Think about how AI is helping design, build, or program automation systems. Maybe you’ve used large language models in a really clever way, or perhaps your work involves deep learning for smart manufacturing. The top paper gets a $1000 prize and another $1000 for travel, while the runner-up gets $500. Plus, both winners might get a chance to attend the Festo.IO conference and could even be offered an internship. It’s a great opportunity to get your work in industrial AI noticed.

Innovative Application Certificate Award

While details are still being finalized, AAAI 2026 will also feature an Innovative Application Certificate Award. This award aims to highlight papers that demonstrate particularly novel and impactful applications of AI. It’s a way to acknowledge research that not only is technically sound but also shows a clear path to real-world impact or a unique approach to solving a problem.

We’re excited to see the innovative research that will be recognized at AAAI 2026! More award details will be announced as we get closer to the conference dates.

Engaging With The AI Community At AAAI 2026

AAAI 2026 isn’t just about presenting cutting-edge research; it’s a massive gathering point for everyone involved in artificial intelligence. Think of it as the main event where ideas are shared, connections are made, and the future of AI gets a good look-over.

IAAI 2026: Focus On Real-World Applications

The International Conference on Innovative Applications of Artificial Intelligence (IAAI) runs alongside the main AAAI conference. This is where you see AI actually doing things in the real world. It’s less about the theory and more about how AI is being used right now, with measurable results. They’re looking for papers on:

• Deployed Highly Innovative Applications of AI: Showcasing AI that’s already out there, making a difference, and sharing the practical lessons learned.
• Emerging Applications of AI: Papers on AI that’s on the path to being widely used, even if it’s not quite there yet.
• Tools and Methodologies for Moving Faster and Safer: This track focuses on the practical side of building and deploying AI, like new ways to speed things up or make sure AI systems are safe and reliable.

IAAI is the place to be if your work has practical impact.

AAAI 2026: Premier AI Conference Overview

The main AAAI conference is the big one, covering the whole spectrum of AI research. It’s where you’ll find the latest theoretical breakthroughs, new algorithms, and broad discussions about where AI is headed. With thousands of researchers, academics, and industry pros attending, it’s a huge networking opportunity. The conference features:

• Technical paper presentations
• Invited speakers sharing their insights
• Workshops and tutorials for hands-on learning
• Poster sessions for quick chats about ongoing work
• Special tracks and competitions

It’s a chance to see the big picture and connect with people from universities, government, and companies all over the globe.

Undergraduate Consortium Opportunities

For students just starting out, the Undergraduate Consortium (AAAI-UC) is a fantastic entry point. It’s a dedicated space for undergraduates to present their own research projects. You get to share your work, get feedback from experienced AI researchers, and really become part of the larger AI community. It’s all about giving the next wave of AI talent a platform to shine and grow. Assistant Professor Sun is leading this effort, focusing on creating a supportive environment for young scholars.

Don’t Miss Out!

So, that’s the rundown on AAAI 2026 and its sister conference, IAAI. It’s a big deal for anyone working in AI, whether you’re deep in the theory or showing off what you’ve built in the real world. Remember those deadlines – August 11th for abstracts and August 18th for the full papers. It’s a lot to keep track of, I know. But getting your work out there at a place like AAAI can really make a difference. Think about it, share what you’ve learned, and be part of the conversation shaping AI’s future. Good luck with your submissions!

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to submit my abstract and full paper for AAAI 2026?

Make sure to mark your calendars! The deadline for submitting your abstract is August 1st, 2025, with an extension until August 11th. For the full paper, you’ll need to submit it by August 8th, 2025, which can be extended to August 18th. These dates are based on Anywhere on Earth (AoE) time.

What kind of AI research is AAAI 2026 looking for?

AAAI 2026 is interested in a wide range of AI research. This includes applications that are already up and running and making a real difference, new ideas that are on their way to being used, and tools or methods that help us build and use AI faster and more safely. Think about projects that have clearly helped people or businesses, or new ways to solve problems with AI.

Can I submit a paper that’s already been published somewhere else?

No, your submission must be completely original. AAAI 2026 wants to see brand new research. They won’t accept papers that are currently being reviewed by another conference or journal, or ones that have already been published or accepted elsewhere. However, posting a draft on a site like arXiv is usually okay.

How will my paper be reviewed?

Your paper will be reviewed by a group of AI experts and people who work in the industry. They’ll be looking closely at how well your research improves AI systems, whether it’s easy for others to use, and if it has a real impact. It’s a single-blind review, meaning the reviewers know who you are, but you won’t know who they are until after the review.

What happens if my paper is good but needs a little work?

For some papers that are almost ready, the program committee might suggest ‘shepherding.’ This means a reviewer will work with you to make improvements, like adding more details about how your AI was used in the real world. If you make the suggested changes, your paper has a good chance of being accepted.

Are there any special awards for outstanding research?

Yes! AAAI 2026 has some exciting awards. One is the Festo Best Use of AI in Industrial Engineering award, which celebrates creative AI uses in automation. There’s also the Innovative Application Certificate Award for papers showing great real-world AI use. Keep an eye out, as more awards might be added!