International Joint Conference on AI

The International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) is a non-profit organisation founded in California in 1969. It serves the AI research community by organising conferences and publishing materials, including proceedings, books, and videos. IJCAI conferences have become a premier global platform for AI researchers and practitioners to share their latest work. Initially held biennially, the conferences have been held annually since 2016. IJCAI is co-sponsored by national AI societies in the host nations.

The organisation operates through two divisions: the Conference Division, which manages the conferences, and the AI Journal Division, which oversees the editorial operations of the Artificial Intelligence Journal (AIJ). The AIJ, established in 1970, is a leading publication in the field of AI. IJCAI provides free online access to conference proceedings and AIJ content through ScienceDirect for those who do not have institutional access. Funding opportunities are also available, with an annual budget of around 150,000 Euros to support AI research.

IJCAI presents several prestigious awards, including the Research Excellence Award for lifetime contributions to AI, the Computers and Thought Award for young scientists, the John McCarthy Award for mid-career researchers, and the Donald E. Walker Distinguished Service Award for senior AI professionals. Notable 2024 award recipients include Thomas Dietterich (Research Excellence), Nisarg Shah (Computers and Thought), and David Blei (John McCarthy).

IJCAI conferences are held in various international locations, with IJCAI-24 scheduled for Jeju, South Korea, in August 2024. Future conferences will be held in Montreal, Canada, in 2025 and Bremen, Germany, in 2026. The organisation plays a key role in bridging AI research communities, encouraging collaboration and the cross-fertilisation of ideas in the field of artificial intelligence.

The International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) was founded in 1969 in California as a non-profit organisation to promote the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) through conferences, publications, and educational materials. Its primary aim was to serve as a platform for AI researchers and practitioners to share their work, collaborate, and discuss advancements in the field. The first IJCAI conference was held in Washington, D.C. in 1969. The conference brought together experts from various disciplines, establishing IJCAI as a leading international AI conference.

From 1969 to 2015, IJCAI conferences were held biennially in odd-numbered years. They quickly became one of the most significant gatherings for AI research, featuring paper presentations, workshops, and discussions. The conference has been held in various international locations, reflecting its global significance. Some notable early conferences took place in London (1971), Cambridge, Massachusetts (1977), and Tokyo (1979).

In 2016, IJCAI shifted to an annual schedule, responding to the rapid growth of AI research and the need for more frequent meetings. This change allowed for a continuous platform to showcase the latest advancements in AI. The conferences have since been held in key locations such as New York City (2016), Melbourne (2017), and Stockholm (2018). The 2019 conference was held in Macao, P.R. China, and since then, the organisation has continued to expand its reach.

Alongside the conferences, IJCAI has also played a significant role in publishing AI research. Since its early years, the Artificial Intelligence Journal (AIJ), founded in 1970, has been a primary outlet for groundbreaking AI research. IJCAI acts as the host for the editorial operations of the AIJ, and the journal is recognised as one of the most respected publications in the field. Free access to the journal’s content has been made available through an agreement with Elsevier, allowing the broader AI community to benefit from its resources.

Throughout its history, IJCAI has introduced several awards to recognise outstanding contributions to AI. The Research Excellence Award was established to honour individuals who have consistently made substantial contributions to AI research throughout their careers. The Computers and Thought Award was introduced to recognise young AI researchers for their significant work, and the John McCarthy Award honours mid-career researchers for their impactful contributions. Another important recognition, the Donald E. Walker Distinguished Service Award, is presented to senior scientists for their service to the field of AI.

Funding opportunities have also been a crucial part of IJCAI’s work, supporting AI research with an annual budget of around 150,000 Euros. These funds are used for sponsorships, student grants, and the promotion of AI research.

IJCAI has consistently promoted collaboration and knowledge sharing across the AI community. It has provided a space for researchers from different areas of AI to engage with each other, ensuring the continued development of AI technologies. In recent years, IJCAI has focused on bridging specialised AI communities, facilitating cross-disciplinary discussions that are essential for the progress of AI.

In 2024, IJCAI-24 is scheduled to take place in Jeju, South Korea. Future conferences are planned in Montreal, Canada (2025) and Bremen, Germany (2026), continuing the organisation’s tradition of hosting conferences in prominent global cities. As of now, IJCAI remains a central figure in AI research, contributing to the dissemination of AI knowledge and the promotion of cutting-edge research through its conferences, publications, and funding initiatives.

The goals and purpose of the International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) are centred around promoting the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). Established in 1969, IJCAI aims to provide a platform for AI researchers and practitioners from across the globe to present their work, collaborate, and discuss the latest developments in AI. The organisation's primary goal is to support the growth of AI by fostering a global community where new ideas, research, and innovations can be shared.

One of IJCAI's main purposes is to organise annual conferences that bring together leading experts, young scientists, and AI practitioners. These conferences serve as a venue for presenting new research findings, discussing emerging trends, and exploring practical applications of AI in various fields. By doing so, IJCAI helps accelerate AI development and its impact on society.

Another key purpose of IJCAI is to support AI education and research through its publications, including the Artificial Intelligence Journal (AIJ). The journal provides an outlet for high-quality AI research, ensuring that important findings are widely accessible to the scientific community and beyond. The organisation also supports research through funding opportunities and sponsorships, helping young researchers and students further their work in AI.

IJCAI's goals also include recognising and honouring significant contributions to AI through its prestigious awards, such as the Research Excellence Award and the Computers and Thought Award. These awards highlight individuals who have made important advances in AI research and development, inspiring future generations of AI professionals.

The International Joint Conferences on Artificial Intelligence (IJCAI) has had a significant impact on the global AI community since its founding in 1969. By organising annual conferences, IJCAI provides a crucial platform for AI researchers and practitioners to share their work, collaborate, and discuss new ideas. These conferences have helped accelerate the growth of AI by showcasing cutting-edge research and fostering international collaboration.

IJCAI also plays a vital role in the dissemination of AI knowledge through its Artificial Intelligence Journal (AIJ). The journal publishes high-quality research papers, making important AI advancements accessible to the global community. By offering free access to its proceedings and journal content, IJCAI ensures that researchers, students, and practitioners can benefit from the latest AI developments, regardless of their location or resources.

The organisation supports AI research through funding and sponsorship opportunities, enabling young scientists and students to continue their work in the field. Additionally, IJCAI’s awards, such as the Research Excellence Award and Computers and Thought Award, recognise and inspire exceptional contributions to AI.