[CFP] CoLLAs 2026 (the 5th Conference on Lifelong Learning Agents)
Sarath Chandar
CoLLAs 2026 (the 5th Conference on Lifelong Learning Agents) Call for Papers
Full CFP: https://lifelong-ml.cc/Conferences/2026/call
Openreview link: https://openreview.net/group?id=lifelong-ml.cc/CoLLAs/2026/Conference
The Conference on Lifelong Learning Agents (CoLLAs) is an annual gathering of researchers to exchange ideas on all facets of adaptation of ML models, especially, but not limited to, the ability for lifelong learning. The model can be adapted continually during training on new data/tasks/skills, or could just be a one-off fine-tuning or model merging. Adaptation can add new knowledge, or remove/edit outdated undesired behaviors.
Some example research problems within the scope are
- The conception, design, and implementation of memory within machine learning.
- Algorithms to learn without forgetting and/or relearn it back whenever necessary.
- Improving or understanding learning and optimization of machine learning models, particularly in, but not limited to, non-stationary settings.
- Post-processing or altering (using gradients or other inference-time procedures) a model for efficient and effective adaptation.
- Post-processing a model to remove or edit the effect of specific data points or knowledge (for example for protecting user privacy, or for making models safer or even simply more accurate.)
- Architectures and / or pre-training procedures that will facilitate later adaptation or increase efficiency in learning as they see more data, e.g. modular or compositional architectures.
- Adapting through feedback or through interaction with a (possibly multi-turn) human/agent in the loop.
In terms of terminology, the above investigations may fall under the areas of continual and life-long learning, unlearning, meta-learning, few-shot learning, reinforcement learning, model editing, safety alignment, open-ended and open world learning, in-context learning, test-time adaption and active self-improvement among many others. Note that this list is non-exhaustive.
We welcome both theoretical and empirical contributions, across a wide range of problem settings, from simple models to LLMs. Although not restricted to the below, the typical types of CoLLAs papers include a combination of:
- Empirical contributions
- Theory and theoretical analyses
- Applications that relate to and / or require any of the above areas
- Datasets and benchmarks that facilitate studies in the above areas.
- Studies of failure modes and critical analyses of methods designed to tackle any of the above issues.
- Approaches that draw inspiration from neuroscience, psychology or biological systems
Submitted papers will be evaluated based on their novelty, technical quality, and potential impact. Experimental methods and results are expected to be reproducible, and authors are strongly encouraged to make code and data available. We also encourage submissions of proof-of-concept research that puts forward novel ideas and demonstrates potential, as well as in-depth analysis of existing methods and concepts.
CoLLAs 2026 will be held in Precis Center, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, Romania, and will be an in-person conference.
For any questions about the conference, you can contact us at con...@lifelong-ml.cc.
Dates and Deadlines (Anywhere on Earth)
Abstract deadline: Apr 10, 2026
Submission deadline: Apr 15, 2026
Conference: Sep 14, 2026 - Sep 18, 2026
Regards,
Martin Mundt, Eleni Triantafillou
CoLLAs 2026 Program Chairs