How guests are chosen
Papers first. Then the people who wrote them.
Selection is editorial and never for sale. Public signals narrow the field, researchers read the shortlist, and editors choose a season balanced across topics, regions, institutions and career stages.
Accepted papersAll main-track papers at the venues we follow, from official proceedings, OpenReview and the ACL Anthology.
Public signalsOral or spotlight, awards, released code and data, early follow-on work, and the author’s Impactio profile where public.
Read by researchersMTRI and Impactio researchers read the shortlist and score substance: novelty, evidence, clarity, honesty about limits.
Chosen by editorsThe editorial board picks for the season, balancing topic, region, institution and career stage.
InvitedFirst author first. Consent in writing before anything is announced.
Signals we use, and how much they count
| Signal | Why | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Oral, spotlight or award | The programme committee’s own judgement | High |
| Researchers’ reading | Substance, not fame; catches overlooked work | Highest: it can overrule the rest |
| Released code and data | Others can check and build on it | Medium |
| Early follow-on work | The field is already using it | Medium, with a lag |
| Social media attention | Easy to game, often about the lab not the paper | Not used |
| The author’s seniority or fame | The opposite of what Meridian is for | Not used |
Balance across a season
- At least a third of guests from institutions in Asia, and no more than two from any one institution
- At least half of guests are first authors who are students or early-career researchers
- No more than one guest in twelve from MTRI or another Magellan Global company, always disclosed
- Every theme in the season covered by at least one venue outside the largest three
These are targets the editors report against at the end of each season, published on this page.
Who cannot influence selection
- Sponsors and partners, including Magellan Global companies acting as sponsors.
- Meridian Pro and Research Desk subscribers.
- Anyone offering payment, travel or other benefit to Meridian in return for an appearance.