AI-2008, the twenty-eighth SGAI International Conference on Artificial 
Intelligence, to be held in Cambridge, UK from 9-11 December 2008 includes a 
workshop day on 9th December.

We would like to invite contributions from researchers and industry for the Applications 
of Natural Language Processing Workshop. The workshop aims to gather the 
widest possible range of views from academia and industry. As well as contributions in 
the form of short papers, presentations or case studies, we would welcome the 
attendance of non-presenting delegates whose views and contributions in discussions 
will be invaluable.

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Call for Participation - Applications of Natural Language Processing Workshop

Scope
This workshop aims to explore developments in the practical application of natural 
language processing. It will feature speakers from both academic and commercial 
backgrounds, presenting and sharing views and experiences with the application of 
NLP techniques. It is intended that workshop participants, whether from academia or 
industry, will gain an understanding of the practical challenges of applying NLP and the 
evolving techniques and methods that can be used to overcome these challenges.

Background
Natural language processing has always been a core element of artificial intelligence 
research. The last few years, however, have seen an increasing use of NLP techniques 
in practical systems, including entertainment, games, search, document classification, 
information management, intelligent tutoring, user interfaces and information delivery.

The workshop will bring together natural language researchers and 
commercial/industrial implementers to discuss the practical issues that arise in getting 
natural language systems to work. It is hoped that the wide background of speakers 
and participants will provide all workshop delegates with a wider perspective of how 
NLP can be used and how to overcome the practical issues involved.

Format
The workshop will be structured around a mixture of short papers, presentations and 
case studies from both academic and industry speakers, interspersed with discussions 
aimed at identifying key issues and challenges to getting NLP to work.

The workshop will conclude with an open discussion, with the aim of documenting the 
key issues and identifying how they can be resolved. The conclusions will be 
documented in a workshop report as a resource for the wider community. Copies of the 
workshop report, which will also include material from workshop papers and 
presentations, will be made available to all participants. All contributions will be fully 
acknowledged.

Proposals for Participation
Proposals for participation are welcomed, in the form of short papers, presentations or 
case studies. Please forward proposals to Alice Kerly ([log in to unmask]).

Proposals will be reviewed based on their appropriateness to the workshop aims, and 
will be selected to ensure that workshop participants are exposed to a wide range of 
viewpoints and opinions. Papers and presentations will be included in the final 
workshop report.

Important dates
Submissions due: November 10th
Notification of acceptance: November 17th
Camera-ready copy due: December 2nd
Workshop: December 9th, Cambridge UK

Organisers
Alice Kerly, University of Birmingham ([log in to unmask])
Sergio Grau-Puerto, Nottingham Trent University ([log in to unmask])

Workshop Chair
Richard Ellis, Stratum Management Ltd ([log in to unmask])

Further Details and Registration
www.ai-research.org.uk/natlang
www.bcs-sgai.org/ai2008/?section=workshops
http://www.bcs-sgai.org/ai2008/registration/