CallforPaper

Topics of Interest

We seek proposals aligned with Debian’s impact on science, including:

• Scientific Software & Packaging: Maintaining/using tools like GNU Octave, Python/R libraries, or domain-specific packages (e.g., BioDebian, NeuroDebian).
• High-Performance Computing (HPC): Debian in clusters, cloud environments, HPC, or GPU-accelerated workflows. Packaging challenges for scientific software (e.g., CUDA, JAX).
• Reproducibility & Open Science: Debian’s role in FAIR data (findability, accessibility, interoperability, and reusability), containerization (e.g., Singularity/Podman), or reproducible environments.
• AI/ML & Data Science: Ethical AI frameworks, Debian-packaged libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch), or open datasets. Next challenges.
• Cross-Disciplinary Applications: Case studies in astronomy, genomics, climate science, or education.
• Infrastructure & DevOps: Scientific CI/CD pipelines, Debian in research labs, or collaborative platforms.
• Policy & Ethics: Licensing, open-access advocacy, or privacy in scientific workflows.
• Privacy laws (e.g., GDPR, CPA), AI regulation, or patent risks in FLOSS.
• Ethical frameworks for Debian in sensitive domains (healthcare, defense).
• Security: Security hardening, SBOMs, or DevOps for research infrastructure. The next challenges for reproducible builds.
• Community & Contribution Dynamics: Studies of FLOSS community structures, contribution practices, and sustainability in open source communities.

Submission Formats

As the aim is to make this workshop a meeting place with the Debian community, we suggest keeping papers fairly short (up to 4 pages) with the aim of presenting the scientific work carried out and the existing or future links with the community.

As a result, the review process will be original, with an initial acceptance pass on the abstract evaluated by the Debian community and a second pass by a scientific committee. The proceedings will be published to obtain an ISBN and a DOI associated with these papers.

Formatting Requirements:

Submissions must follow the IEEETran LaTeX template.

Papers should clearly articulate scientific contributions and Debian community relevance (see Review Criteria below).

Timeline

• Final abstract submission deadline on debconf25.debconf.org: May 25, 2025
• Abstract acceptance notifications: June 2, 2025
• Final full paper submission deadline: June 19, 2025
• Full paper acceptance notifications: June 26, 2025

Targeted Audience

We welcome submissions from:

• Computer Scientists working on AI/ML, HPC, cybersecurity, reproducibility, or infrastructure.
• Legal Scholars specializing in intellectual property, open-source licensing, privacy regulations, or ethics in technology.
• Interdisciplinary Teams exploring topics like AI governance, compliance automation, or policy-driven software design.
• Social Scientists studying open source communities.

Inclusivity & Outreach

We strongly encourage submissions from individuals and communities underrepresented in science and open-source, including: Early-career scientists, students, and educators.

• Women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and other marginalized groups.
• Help us amplify diverse voices! Share this CFP with colleagues and networks beyond traditional tech circles.

Review Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated on:

• Scientific/Technical Contribution: Novelty, rigor, and relevance to computer science or legal research.
• Debian Community Engagement: Potential to spark actionable dialogue, collaboration, or technical improvements within Debian.
• Clearly address both criteria in your proposal.

Review will done in two steps:

• a first review by community using debconf classical submission process
• After acceptance by Debian community, submission will be evaluated according to scientific review criteria.

Tips for Strong Proposals

• Debian Relevance: Explain how your work benefits/engages the Debian community.
• Clarity > Jargon: Make complex topics accessible to a broad audience of developers and scientists.
• Collaboration Hooks: Highlight opportunities for Debian contributors to engage (e.g., packaging needs, testing).

Need Help?

Contact the Content Team at content@debconf.org or join #debconf-content on OFTC IRC. Let us help refine your idea!

Let’s Build the Future of Open Science Together!

DebConf25 is a unique opportunity to connect Debian’s technical excellence with global scientific innovation. Submit your proposal and join us in Brest!

• Submit Now: DebConf25 Submission Portal and HotRCP

DebConf25 is part of the Debian Project, a volunteer-driven organization dedicated to free software. Learn more at debian.org.

Adapted from the DebConf25 General CFP. For non-scientific proposals, see the full CFP.