Scientific Imaging and Machine Learning Workshop

The Scientific Imaging and Machine Learning Workshop is supported by the Community Initiative Fund by Schmidt Sciences. It brings together computer vision and machine learning method developers with domain scientists who work with image-based data.

Scientific imaging workflows (e.g., for Earth sciences, biomedical imaging,  astronomical observations, etc.)  are built around a core set of computer vision tasks. While these tasks are considered mature in computer vision, off-the-shelf models often struggle to generalize across scientific datasets collected by different instruments and under environments. At present, solutions are often developed within individual disciplines. However, advances in one field frequently translate to others.

This workshop aims to: 1) facilitate direct interaction between method developers and domain scientists; 2) provide a venue for sharing imaging methods applicable across different domains; and 3) encourage cross-domain awareness and help method developers identify high-impact, unsolved problems.

The workshop will take place at the Caribe Hilton Hotel San Juan, Puerto Rico, March 15–18, 2027. Applications are open until October 30, 2026 through this application form. The workshop is small in size but highly interactive and problem-oriented. We anticipate around 35 participants, excluding the speakers. The workshop will cover hotel accommodations, breakfasts, and lunches. Limited travel scholarships are available, see application and FAQ sections for details.

Please note that Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory, so travel between Puerto Rico and the U.S. mainland is domestic travel.

For a detailed agenda, click here. 

Application

Application deadline: October 30, 2026.

Eligibility

The workshop is open to graduate students (PhD and masters), postdocs, early-career researchers, and faculty (within 5 years of their highest degree). Given the highly interactive nature of the workshop, we are able to accept approximately 35 participants.

All applications will consist of the following:

• an application form through this link
• a CV, no longer than 2 pages
• a Statement of Interest, no longer than 2 pages, including figures and tables, excluding references

CV and Statement of Interest can be uploaded at the end of the application form.

In the Statement of Interest, the applicants should address one of the following:

1. I have an imaging problem I want to solve: Describe a current imaging problem in your research that you plan to bring to the workshop. Explain why it is technically challenging, what method or conceptual barriers limit progress, and what practical progress you plan to make during the working session. Also discuss how solving this problem could have implications for imaging-related fields beyond your own domain.
2. I have an imaging method I want to share: Describe a past method you developed or adapted to address a domain-specific imaging challenge that you plan to share at the workshop. Describe how you solved your problem. Also discuss how this approach may have broader applicability in other disciplines that rely heavily on imaging data and how cross-domain exchange could expand the impact of your approach.

The organizing team will select based on who demonstrates a clear understanding of methodological transferability, a commitment to contribute to community building, and who will benefit most from the workshop. Priority will be given to Schmidt Fellows and Alumni. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. Successful applicants will be notified before December 1, 2026.

FAQ:

Where is the workshop?

The workshop will be hosted at a beautiful beach hotel, Caribe Hilton Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This will be an all-in-one venue for all workshop activities and lodging.

Will there be travel support?

Yes, there will be limited travel scholarships. Note that hotel accommodation will be covered. So the scholarship can be spent on traveling to/from San Juan, such as airfare. Indicate whether you want to apply for the scholarship in the application form. Priority will be given to people whose demographic backgrounds are underrepresented in imaging science, and/or people who demonstrate a strong financial need.

Can I come if I am a local participant from Puerto Rico?

Yes, we welcome local participation. However, we cannot provide hotel accommodation or travel scholarships. Instead, we will provide Uber/parking vouchers for local participants.

I will travel from another country to the U.S.. Will you sponsor my U.S. visa application?

Unfortunately we cannot sponsor visa applications. But we can provide a letter of support for your visa application process on a case-to-case basis.

If you have any questions about this workshop, email Weija (Emma) Liu, Rob Serafin, Casey Keel, or Victoria Flores.