SISAP 2025, an international conference of the world’s leading database experts, was recently held at Reykjavik University. Dr Björn Þór Jónsson, Professor at the Department of Computer Science at Reykjavik University, chaired the conference. He is a leading expert in database science and has conducted extensive research in the field.

Similarity research forms the basis for retrieving specific data. For example, it can be used to determine whether an image is attributable to a particular author or to compare audio files, such as with the app Shazam, which identifies songs playing in one’s surroundings. Such datasets are also used in the development of artificial intelligence models.

This year’s conference was the 18th SISAP and one of the largest to date, attended by around 60 participants. Most of the researchers came from Europe, but there were also participants from the United States, Canada, and Asia. Björn Þór said it was a pleasure to host such a fine group at Reykjavik University and noted that SISAP is one of his favourite conferences because it always sparks lively discussions and questions.

The SISAP conference serves as the main forum for this relatively specialised research field, bringing together many of the world’s foremost experts. The goal is to connect scientists and developers, enabling them to share new ideas, methods, and experiences.

Keynote Speakers from Italy, Germany, and Iceland

This year’s keynote speakers were:

• Kai Uwe Barthel, from the Institute for Media and Computing, HTW Berlin
• Franco Maria Nardini, from CNR-ISTI, Italy
• Ari Jónsson, CEO of Videntifier Technologies and former Rector of Reykjavik University

Professor Barthel discussed how large datasets can be made more accessible.
Professor Nardini spoke about language models and how to work with them.
Ari Jónsson presented the history of his company, touching on how challenging it can be to commercialise great technology, even when its usefulness is obvious.

This year, special emphasis was also placed on the participation of PhD students, with part of the programme dedicated to them. Two doctoral candidates—from Italy and Spain—met with experts who had reviewed their theses and received detailed feedback, in addition to giving presentations to the full conference audience.

It is extremely valuable for PhD students to have the opportunity to present their findings to people who can influence the field. At the same time, it’s enlightening for the rest of us to hear what the next generation chooses to focus their research on.

Says Björn Þór.