ELLIS Pre-ICML Fest 2025: Fostering Local Dialogue and Scientific Exchange
A Collaborative Scientific Exchange Across Europe
Hosted and locally organised at various ELLIS Sites, the Pre-ICML Fest featured a series of open poster sessions designed to foster dialogue and scientific exchange. Traditionally, ELLIS has organised such events in the lead-up to NeurIPS; this marked the first time the format was extended to ICML. These events not only allowed researchers to locally receive feedback from peers but also invited broader engagement with the public and the wider AI community - strengthening networks and accelerating collaboration across the European AI ecosystem.
Participants had the opportunity to explore a broad array of cutting-edge research. Highlights included accepted papers to the prestigious ICML 2025 conference, as well as contributions to workshops and other major venues in machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Participating Sites in 2025
The following ELLIS Sites and Institutes hosted Pre-ICML Fest events in 2025:
Local Formats, Shared Purpose
Across locations, the Pre-ICML Fest took on distinct local forms while sharing a common goal.
At Unit Munich, more than 300 participants joined the Fest as part of MCML’s AI Day, creating space for interdisciplinary exchange and broader societal reflection.
Unit London gathered ~100 researchers across academia and industry, highlighting the value of local engagement - especially for those facing travel barriers.
At Unit Darmstadt, local researchers connected with Zuse School ELIZA scholars from across Germany through a lively poster session.
The ELLIS Institute Tübingen, along with the Units in Zurich, Lausanne, and Freiburg, each contributed their own formats, ranging from poster sessions to keynote talks.
Why Local Exchange Matters
Local exchange plays a critical role in the research ecosystem. Presenting work in a local setting enables early-stage feedback and peer review, allowing researchers to refine their contributions ahead of major conferences. It also fosters interdisciplinary dialogue and strengthens regional collaboration within the ELLIS network. By lowering barriers related to travel, visas, or funding, local events further promote accessibility and inclusion across the AI community.
The ELLIS Society proudly supports the Pre-ICML Fest as a platform that highlights the strength and diversity of AI research in Europe, bringing together emerging talent, leading scientists, and the broader community in celebration of scientific innovation.
