Dates: June 5–7, 2025 Location: University of Stuttgart, Germany Web: https://tmalsburg.github.io/ComprehensionWorkshop

## Workshop theme:

Effective and widely available reading assessments are fundamental for education and instrumental for early diagnosis of reading difficulties, enabling timely and targeted intervention. **In this workshop, we explore how eye-tracking combined with machine learning technologies can enhance reading assessments**. Our goal is to bring together researchers from various relevant fields, including educational science, cognitive psychology, psycholinguistics, eye-tracking-based reading research, and machine learning. The workshop will provide a platform for exchanging ideas for the next generation of reading assessments aided by eye-tracking and machine learning technologies, as well as inspiring cross-disciplinary research collaborations.

## Important dates:

- Abstract submission deadline: March 1, 2025 - Acceptance notifications: March 14, 2025 - Registration period: March 14 – April 14 - Workshop dates: June 5–7, 2025

## Workshop format:

The first two days will feature a structured program, including talks, poster sessions, and group discussions. On the third day, the focus shifts to a more relaxed format, providing participants with the opportunity to connect in an informal setting while enjoying a scenic hike or unwinding during a leisurely picnic.

## Relevant topics for submission:

- Machine learning approaches to reading assessment - Eye movements as indicators of reading comprehension - Methodology and design of reading assessments, including large scale reading assessments (LSAs) - Reading assessments for different populations (e.g. children, adults, elderly, populations with cognitive impairments) - Reading development - Cognitive processes underlying reading comprehension

## Invited speaker:

Prof. Dr. Johanna Kaakinen Dept. of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology University of Turku, Finland

## Submissions:

- We invite submissions of short abstracts of up to 350 words. - To submit your abstract, please fill in the abstract submission form at: https://forms.gle/AntXQ3K5dwxZLjVH6 - Submissions will be reviewed by the workshop organizers primarily with an eye to relevance. - We expect to accept 25–35 submissions.

## Venue:

The workshop will take place at the International Meeting Center of the University of Stuttgart, a modern and welcoming venue designed to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas. The facility features a lecture hall for up to 80 participants, as well as two smaller seminar rooms ideal for focused discussions and breakout sessions. Attendees will also enjoy the charming amenities of the venue, including a cozy fireside lounge—perfect for informal networking—and a spacious garden that provides a serene atmosphere for relaxation between sessions. The garden is equipped with facilities for barbecues, making it an great setting for social events and fostering meaningful connections in a laid-back environment.

Venue description with photos: https://www.beschaeftigte.uni-stuttgart.de/uni-services/infrastruktur/ibz/

## Funding

The workshop is sponsored by the University of Stuttgart and the MultiplEYE COST Action. The workshop will provide financial support to cover travel expenses for a limited number of participants. Authors will be invited to apply for travel funding upon abstract acceptance. Funding may be partial and priority will be given to junior researchers.

## Workshop organizers

Titus von der Malsburg Inst. of Linguistics, University of Stuttgart, Germany titus.von-der-malsburg@ling.uni-stuttgart.de

Lena Jäger Dept. of Computational Linguistics University of Zurich, Switzerland jaeger@cl.uzh.ch

Yevgeni Berzak Faculty of Data and Decision Sciences, Technion, Israel berzak@technion.ac.il