Dagstuhl Seminars are the flagship of the event program at Schloss Dagstuhl. They are often praised by participants as the most productive academic events they have ever experienced. Consequently participation is highly coveted. Their topic can be anything that is computer science related. These seminars focus on the exchange and development of ideas and not so much on the presentation of already achieved results. They profit from Dagstuhl's ambience and setup that promote personal interaction and open discussion.
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Dagstuhl Seminars
Dagstuhl Seminars – An Overview
Overview
- Organizers: 2 to 4 established leaders in the field
- Participants: about 25 or about 40
- Duration: 3 or 5 days
- Fee: 180€ to 300€ (prices valid until Dec. 31, 2025)
- Applying: April 15 and November 1
- Scheduling: in 9-15 months for small seminars; in 15-21 months for large seminars
- Approval: Scientific Directorate
Concept
Historically, Dagstuhl Seminars are modeled after the fora at the Mathematics Research Institute at Oberwolfach but have grown into an independent concept. A seminar typically lasts for a week (Monday to Friday, with arrival on Sunday) and is initiated by at most four organizers, established leaders in their field, representing the different communities invited to the Seminar, preferably from different institutions. Dagstuhl invites on their behalf a group of researchers of international standing from academia and industry, among them promising young researchers. Most seminars discuss an established field within computer science. However, Dagstuhl Seminars are also known for establishing new directions by bringing together separate fields or even scientific disciplines. To encourage participation from industry, 3-day seminars are offered as well.
A Dagstuhl Seminar typically does not come with a set program. Instead, the pace and the program are guided by topics and presentations that evolve through discussions. In particular, Dagstuhl does not require participants to submit a paper for presentation, or to give a presentation at all. On the contrary, Dagstuhl encourages to present new ideas and work in progress.
We at Dagstuhl understand that even the most productive mind needs some rest. Our guests enjoy modern rooms in a smoke-free environment, local food and various leisure facilities like bikes, sauna, games, and the ever popular wine cellar. In addition, most seminars reserve half a day for an outing like a hike or a trip to the city of Trier.
How the Seminars Are Conducted
There is no set program followed at the Dagstuhl Seminars. The pace and the procedure followed are determined by the presentations offered during the seminar and the discussion results. In contrast to conventional conferences, Dagstuhl Seminars also provide for a favorable opportunity to report on current, as yet unconcluded research work and ideas, and conduct in-depth discussions.
The optimal number of participants at Dagstuhl Seminars is big enough to bring diverse viewpoints to the table but not as big as to make it hard to get to know and collaborate with everyone. The group should be a good mix of established researchers of international renown and promising young researchers, practicians and theorists.
Long seminars generally last a week (Monday – Friday, with arrival on Sunday), whereas short seminars last three days (Monday – Wednesday, with arrival on Sunday).
Participation
In order to maintain the constant high standard of the Dagstuhl Seminars, proposals must also include a list of intended participants which is checked by the Scientific Directorate as part of the review process. Consequently, participation in a Dagstuhl seminar is by invitation only. However, applications for participation can be submitted, particularly by junior research scientists and those from industry. Applications are to be directed to the Dagstuhl Office. Please don't forget to include a short academic CV and a short motivation explaining why you are applying to that specific Dagstuhl-Seminar, what you expect from your participation, and what you can potentially contribute to the Seminar. Note that Schloss Dagstuhl might pass these on to the organizers of the Dagstuhl Seminar. The Scientific Director in accordance with the organizers reviews such applications and makes a decision.
