Overview
The International Conference on Spoken Language Translation (IWSLT) is calling for proposals for shared tasks for its 2026 edition. This conference is a key event in the field of spoken language translation, focusing on both simultaneous and consecutive translation challenges. The significance of IWSLT lies in its long-standing history and its role as a benchmark for researchers and practitioners in speech translation.
Background & Relevance
Spoken language translation is a critical area within natural language processing that addresses the complexities of translating spoken communication in real-time. With the rise of global communication needs, effective speech translation systems are essential for multilingual interactions, including in contexts like meetings, subtitling, and dubbing. Despite advancements, many challenges remain, particularly in under-resourced languages and specific translation scenarios. Addressing these challenges can lead to significant improvements in the field and foster collaboration among researchers worldwide.
Key Details
- Event: International Conference on Spoken Language Translation (IWSLT) 2026
- Proposal Submission Deadline: September 30, 2025
- Decision Announcement: November 1, 2025
- Proposal Form: IWSLT 2026 Call for Tasks PDF
- Contact Email: iwslt-organizers@googlegroups.com
Eligibility & Participation
This call for proposals is open to researchers and practitioners interested in advancing the field of spoken language translation. It targets those who wish to promote specific challenges or new applications in speech translation, encouraging innovative solutions to existing problems.
Submission or Application Guidelines
To propose a new task, interested individuals should:
1. Review the previous year’s tasks for inspiration, available on the IWSLT website.
2. Complete the proposal form linked above.
3. Submit the completed form to the provided email address by the deadline.
4. Await the decision regarding the acceptance of the proposed tasks, which will be communicated in November 2025.
More Information
IWSLT serves as a vital platform for the dissemination of research in spoken language translation. The conference not only showcases advancements in algorithmic approaches but also promotes best practices in the field. By inviting proposals for shared tasks, IWSLT aims to stimulate research on underexplored challenges, fostering innovation and collaboration among the global research community.
Conclusion
Researchers and practitioners are encouraged to participate in this opportunity to shape the future of spoken language translation. By proposing relevant tasks, you can contribute to addressing significant challenges in the field and help advance the state of the art in speech translation. Explore the proposal guidelines and submit your ideas to be part of IWSLT 2026.
Category: CFP & Deadlines
Tags: spoken language translation, IWSLT, speech translation, multilingual, evaluation metrics, shared tasks, ACL, ISCA, ELRA, machine learning, natural language processing, multimodal interaction