Connectionists: [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new knowledge, or remove/edit outdated undesired behaviors.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
contact at 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
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