SIGIR 2026 in Melbourne: Key Dates, Topics & Submission Guidelines

ACM SIGIR 2026 Conference on Research and Development in Information Retrieval is one of the most anticipated global events in computer science and artificial intelligence. Known for its intellectual depth and vibrant discussions, SIGIR (Special Interest Group on Information Retrieval) is the world’s leading conference where researchers, developers, and data scientists come together to explore innovations in search, data retrieval, natural language processing (NLP), and machine learning.

As the academic community prepares for another groundbreaking year, SIGIR 2026 in Melbourne, Australia, is expected to set new benchmarks in both research and collaboration. Find everything you need to know — from key dates and submission guidelines to sponsorship opportunities and registration details.

What to Expect from SIGIR 2026 in Melbourne

Each year, the SIGIR Conference attracts participants from more than 60 countries, including researchers from top institutions in the USA, UK, and Canada. The 2026 edition will continue that tradition by offering a vibrant mix of keynote addresses, technical paper presentations, poster sessions, and industry-focused panels.

Melbourne, known for its academic excellence and technological advancement, provides an ideal setting for SIGIR’s 49th annual event. The city’s thriving innovation ecosystem, combined with its hospitality and cultural diversity, will ensure that SIGIR 2026 is both intellectually enriching and personally memorable.

Expect a conference that blends cutting-edge research, interactive workshops, AI-based demonstrations, and industry collaborations, all centered around the future of how humans and machines interact with information.

SIGIR 2026 Location and Dates: When and Where It’s Happening

While the official SIGIR 2026 location and dates are expected to be formally announced in early 2025, reliable sources within the community confirm that the event will take place in Melbourne, Australia, most likely during mid to late July 2026.

The main conference is expected to run for five days, typically from Monday to Friday, including:

• Workshops and tutorials: First two days
• Main conference sessions: Next three days
• Social and networking events: Throughout the week

Melbourne’s Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) or RMIT University venues are strong contenders to host SIGIR 2026, given their state-of-the-art conference infrastructure.

The city’s excellent public transport, safe environment, and wide range of accommodation options make it a convenient destination for international attendees traveling from North America or Europe.

SIGIR 2026 Call for Papers: Submit Your Research to a Global Stage

The SIGIR 2026 Call for Papers is your gateway to presenting groundbreaking work in information retrieval, artificial intelligence, and data science. The conference encourages submissions that push the boundaries of how humans and systems interact with massive information sources.

Expected Tracks for SIGIR 2026:

• Main Research Papers: Original research contributions on IR theory, algorithms, and applications.
• Short Papers: Emerging or preliminary research findings with promising results.
• Industry Track: Applied research, prototypes, and system implementations by industry professionals.
• Demonstrations: Interactive systems or tools that showcase real-world applications.
• Workshops & Tutorials: Specialized sessions for emerging IR topics, hosted by leading researchers.

Key Focus Areas for 2026 may include:

• Generative AI and search optimization
• Neural information retrieval and deep ranking models
• Multimodal retrieval (image, audio, text integration)
• Large language models (LLMs) for search
• Personalized and conversational search systems
• Fairness, ethics, and privacy in retrieval systems

SIGIR has always emphasized the integration of theory and practice. Whether you’re an academic researcher from MIT or a data scientist at a tech company in Toronto, SIGIR 2026 offers the perfect platform to showcase your work to a truly global audience.

SIGIR 2026 Submission Deadline: Mark Your Calendar

The SIGIR 2026 submission deadline is expected to fall around December 2025, giving researchers enough time to refine their manuscripts.
Here’s a projected timeline based on previous editions:

Event	Expected Date (Tentative)
Call for Papers Opens	November 2025
Paper Submission Deadline	December 15, 2025
Notification of Acceptance	March 2026
Camera-Ready Papers Due	April 2026
Conference Dates	July 2026

Submission Tips:

• Ensure your paper strictly follows the ACM double-blind review policy.
• Perform multiple internal reviews before submission.
• Submit early to avoid technical issues near the deadline.
• Keep an eye on SIGIR’s official website and ACM portal for final submission URLs.

SIGIR’s rigorous review process ensures the highest academic standards. Papers are reviewed by multiple domain experts, making acceptance a mark of excellence in the IR community.

SIGIR 2026 Paper Format Guidelines: Template, Structure & Requirements

Following proper formatting is crucial to avoid desk rejections. SIGIR 2026 paper format guidelines will follow the ACM Primary Article Template — which must be used for all submissions.

General Formatting Rules:

• Full Papers: 9 pages (excluding references)
• Short Papers: 4 pages (excluding references)
• Font: Times New Roman, 9–10 point
• Document Format: LaTeX (preferred) or Microsoft Word
• Review Policy: Double-blind (remove author names and affiliations)

You can download the official templates from the ACM Master Article Template Repository.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

• Incorrect file naming conventions
• Extra pages or non-standard fonts
• Author details not properly anonymized
• Missing acknowledgments or references in the final version

A well-formatted paper not only ensures compliance but also enhances readability, improving your chances of positive reviewer feedback.

SIGIR 2026 Registration Fees & Early Bird Discounts

Registration for SIGIR 2026 in Melbourne will open shortly after the paper acceptance announcements. Like previous editions, SIGIR will offer a range of registration fees to accommodate diverse participants.

Estimated Registration Fees (Based on Past SIGIR Events):

• Students: USD 400 – 600
• Academics/Researchers: USD 700 – 900
• Industry Professionals: USD 1000 – 1200

Discounts and Grants:

• Early Bird Registration: 10–15% discount for early payments.
• Travel Grants: Available for students and early-career researchers, particularly from developing regions.
• ACM/SIGIR Members: Special discounted rates.

For More details visit.

All registered participants will receive full access to conference proceedings, workshops, and tutorials, both in-person and virtually (if offered in hybrid format).

SIGIR 2026 Sponsorship Opportunities: Partner with a Global Research Event

SIGIR 2026 sponsorship opportunities offer companies, research labs, and universities the chance to engage directly with the world’s brightest minds in AI and data science.

Sponsorship Levels:

• Platinum Sponsor: Exclusive visibility in all sessions and publications.
• Gold Sponsor: Prominent branding during keynotes and social events.
• Silver Sponsor: Logo placement and recognition across digital channels.
• Institutional Sponsor: Ideal for universities and research centers supporting the event.

Sponsors will also get access to recruitment opportunities, demo booths, and recognition during award ceremonies. Past sponsors have included Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Baidu — demonstrating SIGIR’s prestige and industry relevance.

Keynote Speakers and Conference Highlights

SIGIR’s keynote sessions are always the highlight of the event. While the 2026 speaker lineup will be announced closer to the conference, attendees can expect presentations from top researchers and innovators in AI, NLP, and data retrieval.

Highlights to look forward to:

• Workshops: Covering topics like generative search, recommendation systems, and human-AI interaction.
• Poster Sessions: Interactive discussions with upcoming researchers.
• Industry Panels: Insights from tech leaders on the commercial impact of information retrieval.
• Networking Events: Coffee breaks, dinners, and local tours to connect participants.

FAQs

1. What is SIGIR 2026 and why does it matter?

SIGIR 2026 represents the 49th Annual International ACM SIGIR Conference on Research and Development in Information Retrieval. It brings together top researchers, engineers, and data scientists from around the world to discuss breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, search engines, and data-driven technologies. The event plays a key role in shaping the future of information retrieval and AI applications.

2. Where will SIGIR 2026 take place?

SIGIR 2026 will take place in Melbourne, Australia, one of the world’s leading research and innovation hubs. The city offers modern facilities, world-class universities, and excellent connectivity, making it an ideal destination for global researchers and industry experts attending the conference.

3. When will SIGIR 2026 be held?

The organizers plan to hold SIGIR 2026 in July 2026. The conference will include keynote sessions, paper presentations, tutorials, and workshops. The exact dates and venue details will appear on the official ACM SIGIR website once confirmed.

4. When does the SIGIR 2026 Call for Papers open?

The SIGIR 2026 Call for Papers will open in November 2025. Researchers can submit their work in areas such as information retrieval, machine learning, data mining, generative AI, and recommender systems. The ACM submission portal will publish detailed submission instructions and templates.

5. What is the SIGIR 2026 submission deadline?

Authors must submit their papers for SIGIR 2026 by mid-December 2025. The committee will announce acceptance results by March 2026, and camera-ready papers will be due in April 2026. Submitting early ensures your work receives proper consideration without technical delays.

6. What are the SIGIR 2026 paper format guidelines?

Authors must follow the official ACM Primary Article Template for all SIGIR 2026 submissions. Full papers can be up to 9 pages, and short papers up to 4 pages (excluding references). All submissions must be double-blind and fully anonymized to maintain fairness during peer review.

7. How much are the SIGIR 2026 registration fees?

SIGIR 2026 will offer flexible registration fees to accommodate all participants. Students can expect fees around USD 400–600, academics around USD 700–900, and industry professionals around USD 1000–1200. The organizers will also provide early bird discounts and student travel grants.

8. What sponsorship opportunities does SIGIR 2026 offer?

SIGIR 2026 invites organizations, universities, and tech companies to sponsor the event. Sponsors can choose from Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Institutional levels. Each package includes branding opportunities, digital promotion, and exhibition space at the conference venue in Melbourne.

9. Who can attend SIGIR 2026?

Anyone with an interest in information retrieval, AI, or data science can attend SIGIR 2026. The conference welcomes researchers, students, academics, and industry professionals. Attendees can present papers, join tutorials, or network with global experts and innovators.

10. How can I stay updated about SIGIR 2026 announcements?

You can stay updated on SIGIR 2026 by visiting the official ACM SIGIR website and following SIGIR’s LinkedIn and X (Twitter) pages. Subscribe to their newsletter to receive regular updates on call for papers, keynote speakers, and registration deadlines directly in your inbox.