2025 Information Theory and ApplicationsWorkshop

Sunday–Friday, February 9–14

Bahia Resort, San Diego

A casual gathering of researchers applying theory to diverse areas in science and engineering

Workshop Web App (please open on your phone)Register
We are still accepting new registrations and presentations. If you like to join the workshop please write us.

A bit ab't ITA

The Information Theory and Applications (ITA) workshop is a multidisciplinary meeting of academic and industrial researchers applying theory to diverse scientific and technological disciplines. Unlike most workshops and conferences, ITA presentations are by invitation only. Speakers are encouraged to present their most significant and accessible work of the year, regardless of whether it appeared elsewhere. Instead of plenary talks, ITA features plenary sessions, where prominent researchers present complementary views of timely topics. Students present at poster sessions with catered lunches, and outstanding graduating students and postdocs selected by their home institutions present at Graduation Day, with several jury-awarded “Sun, Sea, and Sand” Prizes for the most outstanding presentations.

Beyond research promotion and dissemination, ITA strives to foster a cohesive and supportive research community that brings together students, postdocs, faculty, industrial researchers, and potential employers. It does so via multiple ice-breaking, networking, and social activities that initiate and stimulate discussions, interactions, and ongoing collaborations.

Yet truth be told, a small few of ITA's participants join us for the ubiquitous EATA feasts, including breakfasts, lunches, refreshment breaks, and receptions, for the captivating sessions on the beach and sea, and above all, San Diego's summer in the winter weather.

We cordially invite you to join ITA 2025.
If you would like to present a talk or organize a technical session or social event, please write to us at ita@ucsd.edu. A bientot!

Registration

Register

Registration includes daily breakfasts, morning and afternoon refreshments, light lunches on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, light food Thursday and Friday, and evening refreshments at the hospitality suite.

Registration is for attendance only. Talk presentation requires a separate invitation. If you are interested in presenting a talk, please contact us.

Plenary Sessions

Five plenary sessions, each with several prominent researchers providing a rounded view of an important and timely topic.
Monday

Information Theory & Signal Processing Paper Awards

Speaker
Harvard University
Speaker
University of Toronto
Moderator
Piya Pal
UCSD
Tuesday

Information Theory for Machine Learning

Speaker
Texas A&M University
Speaker
UT Austin
Speaker
Moderator
Aaron Wagner
Cornell
Wednesday

Foundations of Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence

Speaker
University of Washington
Speaker
UT-Austin
Speaker
UMich
Thursday

Machine Learning Paper Awards

Speaker
Vector Institute
Speaker
Saarland University
Speaker
Stanford University
Google DeepMind
Friday

Large Language Models

Speaker
Stanford University
Speaker
Moderator
Nathan Srebro
TTIC

Schedule Outline



Sunday
3:15 PMSuper Bowl party wth snacks and drinks, space may be limited, Cabrillo Suite (next to the Pacific Room across from the lobby)
7:00 PMReception, changed from 6:30 to honor Super Bowl LIX, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
8:00 AMCatered breakfast, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
9:00 AM
Plenary session, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
  • Monday: Information Theory / Signal Processing Paper Awards
  • Tuesday: Information Theory for Machine Learning
  • Thursday: Machine Learning Paper Awards
  • Friday: Large Language Models
10:15 AMBreak, light refreshments, Breakout Rooms
10:40 AMThree to four parallel sessions, four talks each
12:00 PM
Lunch break, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
  • Monday: Know thy neighbor, lightning introductions to fellow participants, please enter your information
  • Tuesday: Town Hall with information theory society president
  • Thursday: Hello boss, recruitment event, please enter your information
  • Friday: Startup ITAcubator, experience and advice from community members who founded startups please enter your information
2:00 PMThree to four parallel sessions, four talks each
3:20 PMBreak, refreshments, Breakout Rooms
3:30 PMFriday: Farewell bash, light food, Location TBD
3:40 PMMon-Thu: Three to four parallel sessions, four talks each
5:00 PMBreak
5:10 PM
Special sessions:
  • Monday: Thrive as a researcher, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
  • Tuesday: Taco Tuesday outing, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
  • Thursday: Startup crash course, Nicola
7:00 PMFriends, tv, games, refreshments at the Cabrillo Suite
Wednesday
8:00 AMCatered breakfast, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
9:00 AMThree to four parallel sessions, four talks each
10:20 AMBreak, light refreshments, Breakout Rooms
10:40 AMGraduation day talks, three sessions, four talks each
12:00 PMGraduation day posters and general posters, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
12:40 PMLunch break, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
2:00 PMPlenary session: Foundations of Machine Learning & Artificial Intelligence Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
3:15 PMBreak, refreshments
3:30 PMEntertainment session, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
4:30 PMBreak, refreshments
6:30 PMReception, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)
7:00 PMBanquet, entertainment, Graduation day awards, Oscar (5th floor ballroom)

Daily Schedule

Every day, two sessions will be held on the Bahia Belle shown in the background

Location Location Location

Bahia Resort, San Diego

TripAdvisor's consistently favorite San Diego Hotel, the Bahia Resort is nestled on a serene private peninsula jutting into the San Diego Bay. It features an expansive private white-sand, cabana dotted, beachfront, a boat dock, lush tropical gardens, exotic waterfowls, tennis courts, swimming pool, and fitness center, all providing an idyllic setup for our meeting, collaboration, and recreation. The Pacific Ocean, oceanfront boardwalk, Belmont Amusement Park, and many restaurants are just a few minutes walk away, and the bustling neighborhoods of Mission- and Pacific-Beach a short distance beyond.

The Bahia was recently renovated and boasts modern amply-sized rooms, many with balconies, patios, and striking water views. Our room rates are significantly discounted, with standard rooms featuring varying views at $169, larger studios at $209, and suites at $369, all inclusive of resort fees.

Book HereMap of the rooms in Bahia

Nearby Attractions

Special Events

Award Sessions
Award Sessions
This year’s award winning papers from top journals and conferences.



Pia Pal and Ahmad Beirami
How to thrive as a researcher
How to thrive as a researcher
Help participants learn more about life as a professional researcher and the challenges of work-life balance.

Lalitha Sankar
Information Theory Town Hall
Information Theory Townhall
President's address and town hall. Lunch served.




Aaron Wagner
Graduation Day
Graduation Day
Graduating students and postdocs present their work, Jury awarded prizes.


Parinaz Naghizadeh
Hello Boss
Hello Boss
A fun event where students and postdocs, meet potential internship mentors, postdoc advisors, and employers.

Po Ling Loh
Startup ITAcubator
Startup ITAcubator
Experience and advice from community members who founded startups


Salman Avestimehr, Alex Dimakis, and Sharon Zhang



Social Events

Several activities that bring together students, postdocs, researchers, and faculty, foster new friendships and research collaborations, and facilitate employment and mentorship opportunities.

Fun and Games
Fun and Games
Friends, games, TV, and refreshments
Free No Free Lunch Lunch
Know Thy Neighbor
Lightning intros to fellow participants. Lunch served.
Create your “ITA Business Card”

Rick Wesel

Morning run
Morning runs
Scenic 5km runs around the bay, see popup for details
Entertainment party
Entertainment Session
Lightning intros to fellow participants. Lunch served.
Create your “ITA Business Card”

Startup Crash Course
Startup Crash Course
A brief (20 minutes, more if desired) introduction to how to start your own startup.

Cyrill Gorlla
Farewell Bash
Farewell Bash
Fun, food, and farewell friends

EATA

Daybreak

Daily
8 AM

Nightcap

Daily
7 PM

Reception

Sun
6:30 PM

Know thy neighbor lunch

(for Attendees Only)

Mon
12 - 1:20 PM

IT-Session Lunch

(for Attendees Only)

Mon
12:30-2 PM

Taco Tuesday

Wed
5:45pm

Graduation
Lunch

Wed
12 PM

Banquet

Wed
6:30 PM

Farewell

Fri
4:30 PM

Participants

Sponsors

CTGTIEEE ITSQualcommSamsungUCSD HDSI

Code of Conduct

The ITA workshop and community are built upon the core values of collegiality, support, and dignity for all, and we endorse the conference codes of conduct adopted by the ACM, IEEE, and the Information Theory Society. Disrespectful, offensive, and inappropriate behavior is not welcome at our events. If you observe such behavior, please inform one of our staff or email us at ita@ucsd.edu.