Important Dates
The 27th conference of the International Society for Music Information Retrieval (ISMIR) will be held in Abu Dhabi, UAE. This is the first time this interdisciplinary conference bringing together academics, researchers, practitioners, and industry participants in the field of Music Information Retrieval will take place in the Arab world. The theme of ISMIR 2026 will be “Crossroads.” This resonates with the region’s geographical position of being at the crossroads between the East and the West, and the fact that the Arabian Gulf has been at the intersection of many cultures that have passed through and established themselves in the region. This diversity is a consequence of trade and political connections with other oceanic societies around the rim of the Indian Ocean and South China sea for centuries. ISMIR 2026 will explore the potential intersections between music information research/retrieval (MIR) and the humanities, other sensory modalities besides audition (synaesthesia), and health. It will also reflect on the social impact of MIR. These intersections will be the focus of special sessions to be held at the conference.
ISMIR 2026 welcomes contributions in all the areas related to MIR and its applications, including computational music analysis, processing, generation, algorithms, and their evaluation. ISMIR is a truly interdisciplinary community, which fosters collaboration between researchers, developers, educators, librarians, students, and professionals from the disciplines involved in Music Information Retrieval, such as musicology, cognitive science, library and information science, computer science, electrical engineering, and many others. ISMIR 2026 will foster the discussion and exchange of ideas among the attendees, with special attention to new topics, emerging problems, inclusion, and diversity.
NYU Abu Dhabi is a globally renowned university that brings together students, scholars, and researchers from around the world in a dynamic environment dedicated to academic excellence, innovation, and cross-cultural exchange. Located on Saadiyat Island, the campus offers a distinctive setting that reflects Abu Dhabi’s vision as a leading international center for education, research, and culture.
The university’s striking campus combines contemporary architecture with thoughtfully designed spaces that foster collaboration, discovery, and intellectual engagement. As part of New York University’s global network, NYU Abu Dhabi provides an exceptional international backdrop for conferences and academic gatherings, bringing together diverse perspectives from across disciplines and around the world.
