Overview
This editorial highlights the call for papers for the special session on Neuro-Symbolic AI and Complex Data at the upcoming European Symposium on Artificial Neural Networks, Computational Intelligence and Machine Learning (ESANN 2026). This session aims to explore the integration of symbolic reasoning with machine learning techniques, particularly in the context of complex data applications. The significance of this session lies in its potential to advance AI methodologies that require structured reasoning and interpretability, which are essential in various real-world scenarios.
Background & Relevance
Neuro-Symbolic AI represents a crucial intersection of traditional symbolic reasoning and modern machine learning approaches. In many domains, including drug discovery and industrial automation, the ability to interpret complex data is vital. Purely data-driven methods often lack the necessary interpretability and reasoning capabilities, which can limit their effectiveness in applications requiring human-like understanding. By merging symbolic reasoning with sub-symbolic learning, Neuro-Symbolic AI aims to create systems that are not only more explainable but also capable of incorporating human knowledge and ethical considerations into their decision-making processes.
Key Details
- Event: Special Session on Neuro-Symbolic AI and Complex Data
- Conference: ESANN 2026
- Location: Bruges, Belgium
- Dates: 22-24 April 2026
- Paper Submission Deadline: 19 November 2025
- Acceptance Notifications: 23 January 2026
- More Information: ESANN 2026 Special Sessions
Eligibility & Participation
This call for papers is open to researchers and practitioners from various disciplines who are working on Neuro-Symbolic AI and its applications to complex data. Contributions that integrate symbolic reasoning, statistical learning, and domain-specific knowledge are particularly encouraged. The session aims to attract a diverse range of submissions that can showcase innovative approaches and findings in this emerging field.
Submission or Application Guidelines
Interested participants should prepare their papers according to the submission guidelines provided by the ESANN 2026 conference. The submission process typically involves the following steps:
1. Prepare your manuscript following the conference formatting guidelines.
2. Submit your paper through the designated submission portal by the deadline of 19 November 2025.
3. Await notifications regarding acceptance by 23 January 2026.
More Information
The integration of Neuro-Symbolic AI into complex data applications is increasingly relevant in today’s AI landscape. This approach not only enhances the interpretability and robustness of AI systems but also aligns them more closely with human values and ethical standards. As AI continues to evolve, the need for systems that can reason and make decisions transparently will become even more critical. This special session serves as a platform for researchers to share their insights and advancements in this vital area of study.
Conclusion
The Neuro-Symbolic AI and Complex Data session at ESANN 2026 presents an excellent opportunity for researchers to contribute to a rapidly developing field. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their papers and engage with the community to explore the potential of combining symbolic reasoning with machine learning. This is a chance to be at the forefront of AI research and to contribute to the advancement of technologies that are both effective and ethically sound.
Category: CFP & Deadlines
Tags: neuro-symbolic ai, complex data, esann, machine learning, symbolic reasoning, data-driven models, decision support systems, ethical ai, constraint-aware ai, bioinformatics, natural sciences, software engineering, knowledge graphs
