Description

Search for information is an ever increasingly important and complex task. The first retrieval systems effectively treated documents as bags of words, and this is still the main approach in current systems. Yet the human processing of information makes use of a much deeper understanding of text than these systems exhibit. Is there a way to combine the computing power of machines with the sophisticated processing of humans? In addition, there has been an explosion of information available digitally in a wide range of media including audio and video. How can we extend current technology to find information in all available media?

This workshop is fourth in a series that aims to strengthen collaboration among researchers and developers in all areas related to search technology. In this last year of HCSNet funding support, we would like to place the emphasis in this workshop on 'where next?'. Accordingly, the event will take place in a secluded location in the Blue Mountains, providing scope for uninterrupted discussions and contemplation. We particularly welcome submissions which sketch personal views of where research in search should go in the coming years, and how interdisciplinary approaches to research might encourage developments.

The workshop will run from the afternoon of the first day to noon of the second day, and there will be evening activities to complement the day presentations.

Audience

The goal of the workshop is to gather people from all areas of research, development and industry. We welcome people from academia and industry with interest in any area related to innovative methods for search. Given the numbers of the previous NGS workshops we expect 25-35 people.

Event Format

The workshop will consist of a number of presentations during the day and special activities during the evening. The day presentations will be:

• 20-minute presentations that describe a new project or specific idea to be shared with the community, with the aim of fomenting discussion; and
• 2-minute poster boosters for those bringing a poster.

As evening activities we envisage group activities and discussion sessions.

Important Dates

• Submission Deadline: Sunday 8th March 2009
• Notification of Award: Thursday 12th March 2009
• Registration: Closes Sunday 29th March 2009
• Event Date: Thursday 16th to Friday 17th April 2009

Submission Format

We plan to bundle accommodation and venue and we need an accurate estimate of the number of people who plan to attend. We therefore ask those interested in participating to email diego.molla-aliod@mq.edu.au indicating the names of people who plan to attend BY MONDAY 2 MARCH.

In addition, submit a brief abstract of 100-150 words in length BY THURSDAY 5 MARCH. Please send the submissions by using the submission form here on the workshop webpage.

Submission deadline: Sunday 8th March 2009

Registration Information

We plan to bundle accommodation and venue and we need an accurate estimate of the number of people who plan to attend. We therefore ask those interested in participating to email Diego indicating the names of people who plan to attend BY MONDAY 2 MARCH.

Registration: Closes Sunday 29th March 2009

Getting There

Jemby-Rinjah is ideally situated adjacent to the Blue Mountains National Park, 2 hours West of Sydney's CBD.

The drive is an easy and interesting one. Simply head west on Sydney's M4 Motorway and continue driving for two hours. At the base of the Blue Mountains the motorway becomes the Great Western Highway.

Jemby-Rinjah Lodge is located at the end of Evans Lookout Road, approx 1 km prior to the Blackheath township, and 4 km after passing through (with the Hydro Majestic Hotel on your left) Medlow Bath. Simply turn right off the highway, at the sign to Evans Lookout. It is approximately 500 meters from the lookout, and the end of the road.

Train Services

Jemby-Rinjah Lodge is easily accessible by train from Sydney's Central Station or take the Airport Link directly from Sydney Airport. Alight at Blackheath Station. You can view the timetable here:City Rail Taxis are available at the station to transport you to the Lodge.

• Travel Map
• Venue Website

Travel Bursaries

HCSNet will fund accommodation and train fare from Sydney to BlackHeath for each presenter (one presenter per presentation). In addition, HCSNet fill fund $300 towards the cost of the air ticket for a number of presenters from outside the Sydney area. The provision of a submission as described above is a prerequisite for funding. If not all presenters can be covered, funding grants may be allocated based on the relevance of your abstract to the workshop theme; also, students and early career researchers (in HCSNet terms, those who have received their PhDs in the last fifteen years) will have priority.

Note that, although attendance at the workshop is free, membership of HCSNet and registration for this workshop are required in advance of the event.

Since we intend to book out the entire lodge, it is possible that there may be space available for family and friends; if you are interested in this possibility please let the organisers know as soon as possible. Note that accommodation and travel costs for those who are not taking part in the workshop cannot be covered.

Organisers

Diego Molla-Aliod