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9th International Conference on Belief Functions (BELIEF 2026), Nanjing, China, Oct 19-21? 2026
by Thierry Denoeux Dec. 8, 2025

Dec. 8, 2025

***** Call for Papers ****** The 9th International Conference on Belief Functions (BELIEF 2026) Dates: October 19-21, 2026 Location: Nanjing, Southeast University, China * April 30, 2026: Paper submission deadline * June 15, 2026: Author notification * June 30, 2026: Camera-ready copy due ================================================================ The theory of belief functions, also referred to as evidence theory or Dempster-Shafer theory is a well-established mathematical framework for reasoning and decision-making with uncertainty, with applications to machine learning, statistical inference, information fusion, knowledge representation, risk analysis, etc. It is an extension of probability theory and it has well understood connections with related frameworks such as random sets and imprecise probabilities. Recently, generalised evidence theory, based on random fuzzy sets, has been proposed as a unifying framework encompassing both Dempster-Shafer and possibility theories. The biennial BELIEF conferences (sponsored by the Belief Functions and Applications Society https://www.bfasociety.org/) are dedicated to the confrontation of ideas, the reporting of recent achievements and the presentation of the wide range of applications of this theory. Previous editions of this conference series were held in Brest, France (2010); Compiègne, France (2012); Oxford, UK (2014); Prague, Czech Republic (2016); Compiègne, France (2018); Shanghai, China (2021); Paris, France (2022), and Belfast, UK (2024). To support cross-fertilization among researchers working in different subfields of AI and related disciplines, tutorials and special sessions will be proposed, with emphasis on the links between machine learning and uncertain reasoning, including topics such as quantification of prediction uncertainty, fusion rules for ensemble learning, belief propagation in deep neural networks, links with explainable and symbolic AI, etc. Submissions of papers combining several of these topics, or more generally at the intersection between belief functions and other AI methods or uncertainty theories are welcome. We also encourage submissions describing innovative applications to various areas including, but not limited to: energy, environment and climate change; medical diagnosis; risk and reliability analysis; business and economics, vision and image processing, etc. ===========Proceedings=========== Proceedings of the previous editions of BELIEF have been published by Springer-Verlag as volumes of the Lecture Notes in Artificial Intelligence (LNCS/LNAI) series and indexed by: ISI Web of Science; EI Engineering Index; ACM Digital Library; dblp; Google Scholar; IO-Port; MathSciNet; Scopus; Zentralblatt MATH. Publication of the BELIEF 2026 proceedings in the LNCS/LNAI series is awaiting confirmation. ==========IJAR Special issue================== Authors of selected papers from the BELIEF 2026 conference will be invited to submit extended versions of their papers for possible inclusion in a special issue of the International Journal of Approximate Reasoning. ============BELIEF 2026 Program Committee co-chairs============== Prof. Zhigang Su (zhigangsu(a)seu.edu.cn <mailto:zhigangsu@seu.edu.cn>), Southeast University, China Prof. Thierry Denoeux (tdenoeux(a)utc.fr <mailto:tdenoeux@utc.fr>), Université de Technologie de Compiègne, France ---------- Prof. Thierry Denoeux Université de technologie de Compiègne Institut universitaire de France Rue Roger Couttolenc, CS 60319 60203 Compiègne cedex, France https://www.hds.utc.fr/~tdenoeux

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Independence puzzle
by Marco Zaffalon Dec. 5, 2025

Dec. 5, 2025

Dear SIPTAnts, Here is a small puzzle for you - I give it to my master students - that makes a nice point (it’s not mine, I only created a story around it). Enjoy, Marco *** A casino hosts a slot machine with only two spinning reels, A and B, each one displaying either 0 or 1. You observe the machine for a long time, thus verifying that those reels are independent and uniformly distributed, as they should: P(A)=P(B)=P(B|A)=1/2. One plays inserting two dollars in the machine, and wins 4 dollars if A=B and nothing otherwise. The game is fair in the sense that on average one wins 2 dollars. At some point you discover that you can manipulate reel A while it's spinning, thus setting it at the value you like. Are there conditions that enable you to win more than 2 dollars on average by doing so? (Think before reading on.) *** Imagine that the machine internally works as follows. It generates two independent uniformly random bits U and V. By a defect of construction, A and B are then set according to the following rules: - A=1 iff U=V. - B=1 iff U=1 or (A=1,U=0,V=1). Luckily, this does not affect the fact that the machine is indeed fair: P(A)=P(B)=P(B|A)=1/2. However, when you manipulate A, its value will no longer depend on U and V; it will just depend on what you decide, say A=1. This will make the clause (A=1,U=0,V=1) true whenever U=0,V=1. Whence B=1 will occur with probability 3/4: 1/2 due to U=1 plus 1/4 due to U=0,V=1. As a consequence, on average you will win 4*3/4 = 3 dollars, making an average profit of 1 dollar per game. *** The moral of the story: causation does not imply correlation - or, prediction does not inform action.

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11th International Workshop on Reliable Engineering Computing REC 2026, Dortmund, Germany, September 2-5, 2026, deadline extended!
by Kreinovich, Vladik Dec. 4, 2025

Dec. 4, 2025

Papers using imprecise probability techniques are always welcome at this series of workshops. **************************** Dear Colleague, We are pleased to invite you to the 11th International Workshop on Reliable Engineering Computing (REC2026), taking place 2-5 September 2026 at TU Dortmund University, Germany, https://rec2026.web.tu-dortmund.de/ Under the theme "Reliability Computations in a Data and Model-Driven World," REC2026 connects classical uncertainty quantification with modern advances in AI and data science. As usually, a specific focus is on the development and application of imprecise probabilistic methods in engineering computations. REC2026 will offer an interdisciplinary forum on uncertainty quantification, risk assessment, and the reliability of engineering computations. The program includes keynote lectures, technical sessions, networking opportunities, a welcome reception (2 Sept), and a conference dinner (4 Sept). Important Dates * December 15, 2025 - Abstract Submission (deadline extended) * April 1, 2026 - Full Paper Submission Submission templates are available on the conference website Mark your calendar and stay tuned! With best regards, Matthias Faes (TU Dortmund University) matthias.faes(a)tu-dortmund.de<mailto:matthias.faes@tu-dortmund.de> Michael Beer (Leibniz University of Hannover) beer(a)irz.uni-hannover.de<mailto:beer@irz.uni-hannover.de> REC2026 General Chairs Marcos Valdebenito marcos.valdebenito(a)tu-dortmund.de<mailto:marcos.valdebenito@tu-dortmund.de> Local Organizing Committee Chair, REC 2026

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FW: NAFIPS deadline has been extended
by Kreinovich, Vladik Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

Dear Friends, Papers combining fuzzy and probabilities are always welcome at this series of conferences. ********************************************** Deadlines for submissions to the Joint NAFIPS International Conference on Fuzzy Systems, Soft Computing and Explainable AI and 10th World Conference on Soft Computing NAFIPS 2026 (El Paso, Texas, USA, March 14-16, 2026, https://sites.google.com/view/nafips26/) have been extended: ** the new deadline for submitting full papers is December 15, 2025; this is the final deadline, there will be not extension ** the new deadline for submitting late-breaking papers and extended abstracts is January 15, 2026

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Re: ESCIM2026 – Submission Deadline Reminder
by Kreinovich, Vladik Dec. 2, 2025

Dec. 2, 2025

FYI, AI-related papers using imprecise probabilities are always welcome at this series of conferences From: Tüű Szabó, Boldizsár <tuu.szabo.boldizsar(a)ga.sze.hu<mailto:tuu.szabo.boldizsar@ga.sze.hu>> Sent: Monday, December 1, 2025 12:23 AM Subject: ESCIM2026 – Submission Deadline Reminder Dear Colleagues, This is a kind reminder that the paper submission deadline for the 17th European Symposium on Computational Intelligence and Mathematics ESCIM 2026 (Timisoara, Romania, May 10-13, 2026) is approaching. Submission deadline: December 19, 2025 All submission details, including topics, formatting instructions, and important dates, are available on the the website: https://escim2026.uca.es/submission/ We warmly invite you to submit your contributions and look forward to receiving your papers. Best regards, Boldizsár Tüű-Szabó Program Chair, ESCIM2026 [Image removed by sender. Logo]<https://uni.sze.hu/kezdolap> Dr. Tüű-Szabó Boldizsár egyetemi adjunktus Informatikai és Villamosmérnöki Kar [Image removed by sender.] 9026 Győr, Egyetem tér 1 [Image removed by sender.] +36 96 503 400 tuu.szabo.boldizsar(a)sze.hu<mailto:tuu.szabo.boldizsar@sze.hu> [Image removed by sender. adress-icon] uni.sze.hu<https://uni.sze.hu>

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IP seminar in Trento, tomorrow 9.30 (Trento time)
by sdesterc Dec. 1, 2025

Dec. 1, 2025

Dear friends, I’ve been aware (thanks to Matteo Brunelli) that an interesting talk will take place in Trento, tomorrow at 9.30 • https://eventi.unitn.it/it/stackelberg-cournot-nash-equilibria-under-ambigu… Do not hesitate to spread this information! Cheers -- ==================================== Sebastien Destercke, Ph. D. CNRS researcher in computer science. Université de Technologie de Compiegne U.M.R. C.N.R.S. 7253 Heudiasyc Avenue de Landshut F-60205 Compiegne Cedex FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)3 44 23 79 85 Fax: +33 (0)3 44 23 44 77 ====================================

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Reminder: Kevin Blackwell talk at 3pm
by sdesterc Nov. 26, 2025

Nov. 26, 2025

Dear Siptians, This is just a reminder that Kevin Blackwell talk will take place at 3pm. Information (including zoom link) there: https://sipta.org/events/sipta-seminars/ See you in an hour! Sébastien

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Re: SMPS 2026 in Lecce, Italy, September 15-18, 2026
by Kreinovich, Vladik Nov. 24, 2025

Nov. 24, 2025

Dear Colleagues, the SMPS 2026 conference (Soft Methods in Probability and Statistics) will take place on September 15-18, 2026, in Lecce, Italy. As is customary for the SMPS series, we expect between 80 and 120 participants, creating an environment conducive to stimulating scientific dialogue and a warm, friendly atmosphere. Our objective is to keep the fees including lunches, conference dinner, social events and Springer book of proceedings as low as possible. In the conference website, you may find the expected fees (the precise amounts will be determined in the spring, once the exact number of participants is known). Confirmed plenary speakers are: • Bernard De Baets (Ghent University, BE) • Irene Gijbels (KU Leuven, BE) • Beatriz Sinova Fernández (Oviedo University, ES) The SMPS conference series has the tradition to collect short papers of 6-8 pages of all participants giving a talk. These papers will undergo a quick peer-review and should either contain novel results or provide a survey over recently established material. All accepted contributions will be published in a forthcoming Springer conference proceedings book. Submission of short papers will be possible starting January 1st, 2026. For more information about the event, please check in the following days the official conference website: http://smps2026.unisalento.it<http://smps2026.unisalento.it/> the Linkedin page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/smps-lecce-7419b0398 Looking forward to welcoming you in Lecce Fabrizio Durante (for the Local Organizing Committee) --------------------------------------------------------- Fabrizio Durante Dipartimento di Matematica e Fisica “Ennio De Giorgi” Università del Salento via per Arnesano, I-73100 Lecce (Italy) Personal website: https://sites.google.com/site/fbdurante/ [Image removed by sender.]

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Fwd: WUML 2026 – Workshop on Uncertainty in Machine Learning, Tartu, Estonia, Feb 2–4, 2026
by sdesterc Nov. 21, 2025

Nov. 21, 2025

Dear all, The next WUML conference on uncertainty in machine learning will take in Tartu during February. This is a nice workshop that promotes discussion around Machine learning. People attending usually have a very nice experience and in many occasion follow-up collaborations. Best regards Sébastien -- ==================================== Sebastien Destercke, Ph. D. CNRS researcher in computer science. Université de Technologie de Compiegne U.M.R. C.N.R.S. 7253 Heudiasyc Avenue de Landshut F-60205 Compiegne Cedex FRANCE Tel: +33 (0)3 44 23 79 85 Fax: +33 (0)3 44 23 44 77 ==================================== > Begin forwarded message: > > From: Meelis Kull <meelis.kull(a)ut.ee> > Subject: WUML 2026 – Workshop on Uncertainty in Machine Learning, Tartu, Estonia, Feb 2–4, 2026 > Date: 3 November 2025 at 11:15:32 CET > To: Meelis Kull <meelis.kull(a)ut.ee> > > Dear colleague, > > We are pleased to announce that the Workshop on Uncertainty in Machine Learning (WUML 2026) will be held on February 2–4, 2026, at the University of Tartu, Estonia. > > Following the successful previous editions in Munich (2024) and Milan (2025), WUML 2026 will continue to provide an open and informal forum for discussing recent advances and challenges in uncertainty in machine learning. > > The first WUML workshop was held in 2015, and the event has been held annually since 2023, with recent editions in Ghent, Munich, and Milan. The goal of this workshop is to bring together researchers interested in the topic of uncertainty in machine learning. It aims to provide a forum for discussing the latest developments in modeling and quantifying uncertainty in machine learning problems, as well as for exploring new research directions in this field. > > As in previous years, WUML 2026 will be an informal event without a paper submission system. Participants are welcome to give a talk, present a poster, or simply attend the workshop. Participation is free of charge, though attendees are expected to cover their own travel and accommodation expenses. > > Preliminary information about the workshop is available at: > https://sites.google.com/view/wuml2026 > > Those interested in attending are kindly asked to confirm their participation by January 7, 2026, using the following form: > https://forms.gle/Gom361htiTd48pfU9 > > Please note that, due to room capacity and expected interest, participation will be limited to a maximum of 150 attendees. > > For any questions, please feel free to contact the organizers. You are also welcome to share this announcement with colleagues or students who may be interested in attending. > > We look forward to seeing you in Tartu! > > On behalf of the WUML 2026 Organizing Committee > Meelis Kull > > > > --- > Meelis Kull > Head of the Estonian Centre of Excellence in AI > Professor of Artificial Intelligence > Institute of Computer Science > University of Tartu > meelis.kull(a)ut.ee <mailto:meelis.kull@ut.ee> >

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Next SIPTA virtual seminar: 26th of November, K. Blackwell "Representing awareness change with sets of desirable gambles"
by sdesterc Nov. 18, 2025

Nov. 18, 2025

Dear colleagues, We are delighted to announce our upcoming SIPTA online seminar on imprecise probabilities (IP). These monthly events are open to anyone interested in IP, and will be followed by a Q&A and open discussion. They also provide an occasion for the community to meet, keep in touch and exchange between in-person events. The next seminar will take place on the 26th of November (Wednesday). The zoom link for this seminar is https://utc-fr.zoom.us/j/83908951605 For this new seminar, we are very happy to have Kevin Blackwell as our speaker. Kevin Blackwell is currently a lecturer at Bristol Philosophy department, and has many contribution in the foundation of imprecise probabilities, with a recent focus on its most general forms using the notions of desirable gambles and of coherent choice functions. On the the 26th of November, at 15:00 CEST:paris time (up to 17:00 CEST, with a talk duration of 45min/1h), he will talk about "Representing awareness change with sets of desirable gambles”. Curious? Then check out the abstract on the webpage of the SIPTA seminars: sipta.org/events/sipta-seminars. The zoom link for attending the seminar can be found on that same page. So please mark your calendars on the 26th of November, and join us for the occasion. And for those who missed the previous seminar and want to catch up, or simply want to see it again and again, it is online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fk1YvCstMRw See you at the seminar! Sébastien, Enrique and Jasper

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