NeurIPS 2025 Call for Position Papers
NeurIPS 2025 Call for Position Papers
We invite the submission of position papers to be published at the
NeurIPS 2025
conference. Position papers make an argument for a viewpoint or perspective about what should be done, in contrast to research track papers, which report on advances that have already been accomplished. Position papers also generally adopt a meta-level perspective on the field of machine learning, with wider scope than any individual area.
The review criteria for position papers differs from those of the main conference track. Submissions to the main NeurIPS conference track emphasize original research and novel results. In contrast, submissions to the position paper track will be judged primarily on whether they present a compelling position that warrants greater exposure within the machine learning community (regardless of whether a reviewer agrees with the position). The goal of this track is to highlight papers that stimulate (productive, civil) discussion on timely topics that need our community’s input. Controversial topics are welcome.
Position papers should meet standard NeurIPS expectations for scholarship, including the use of evidence and reasoning to support claims, inclusion of relevant background and context, and the attribution of work via appropriate citations. Accepted position papers will be presented at the conference and included in the conference proceedings.
We want to hear your ideas. What is the field getting right? Getting wrong? How can our work be used for positive or destructive ends in government, military, medicine, public policy, or law? What are open problems that we should focus more on? Or less? Position papers may address any aspect relevant to machine learning, including (but very much not limited to) discussions such as the following:
Concerns about data legality, copyright, and intellectual property in model training procedures
The role of privacy in machine learning training and deployment
The role of open-source versus closed-source ML models for research
Regulation of ML technology (licensing, evaluation, disclosures, post-deployment monitoring, etc.)
Ethical considerations when conducting ML research or deploying ML systems
The role of symbolic AI within the context of modern deep learning
User guidance for responsible use of ML tools, services, applications, etc.
What the next generation of ML researchers needs to know
How we can improve the ways that we conduct and evaluate machine learning research
How we can improve the beneficial impact of our community’s work
We encourage you to browse the position papers that were published at
ICML 2024
for examples (and ideas to build on, or from which to offer an alternative position).
Policies and Requirements
The formatting requirements (including 9-page limit), double-blind reviewing, policies (including plagiarism, dual submission, use of generative AI, ethics review, etc.), and deadlines for position papers are shifted slightly later compared to those of the main conference (see the main Call for Papers). Please note the requirement for a “lay summary” of papers (including position papers) that are accepted for publication.
The following additional requirements apply to position papers:
Title:
The title should state the position.
Examples of appropriate titles:
Quantum Atelic Learning Methods Should Employ Psychic Insights"
Stop Research on Psychic Properties of Machine Learning"
Non-example titles that do
not
state a position clearly:
Psychic Quantum Atelic Learning"
A Perspective on Psychic Quantum Atelic Learning"
Abstract:
The abstract must briefly state the position (e.g., “This position paper argues that
Executive Summary
This article presents a call for position papers for the NeurIPS 2025 conference, inviting scholars to submit papers that argue for a viewpoint or perspective on timely topics in machine learning. The position paper track differs from the main conference track, focusing on compelling positions that warrant discussion rather than novel research results. The submission criteria emphasize scholarship, evidence-based reasoning, and inclusion of relevant background and context. Accepted papers will be presented at the conference and included in the proceedings, aiming to stimulate discussion on pressing issues in the field, including ethics, regulation, and the impact of machine learning on society.
Key Points
- ▸ The NeurIPS 2025 conference invites position papers on timely topics in machine learning.
- ▸ Position papers emphasize compelling viewpoints and perspectives rather than novel research results.
- ▸ Submission criteria focus on scholarship, evidence-based reasoning, and inclusion of relevant background and context.
Merits
Strength in Encouraging Debate
By inviting position papers on timely topics, the NeurIPS 2025 conference encourages scholars to engage in constructive debate and discussion, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the field.
Focus on Scholarship
The emphasis on scholarship, evidence-based reasoning, and inclusion of relevant background and context ensures that position papers are well-researched and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Demerits
Potential for Bias
The double-blind reviewing process may not entirely eliminate bias, particularly if reviewers hold strong opinions on the topics discussed in the position papers.
Limited Scope
The focus on machine learning may limit the scope of the position papers, potentially neglecting the intersection of machine learning with other fields, such as law, medicine, or public policy.
Expert Commentary
The NeurIPS 2025 conference's call for position papers represents a welcome initiative in encouraging scholars to engage with pressing issues in machine learning. By focusing on compelling viewpoints and perspectives, the conference aims to stimulate discussion and debate, ultimately contributing to the advancement of the field. However, scholars must be mindful of potential biases and limitations in scope, ensuring that position papers are well-researched and contribute meaningfully to the field.
Recommendations
- ✓ Scholars should carefully consider the submission criteria and ensure that their position papers meet the necessary standards of scholarship and evidence-based reasoning.
- ✓ The conference organizers should consider incorporating diverse perspectives and reviewers to mitigate potential biases and ensure a comprehensive evaluation of the position papers.
