The Machine Learning Summer School (MLSS) series, established in 2002, aims to advance knowledge in modern statistical machine learning and inference. Recognizing the growing demand for machine learning expertise, MLSS bridges the gap for students and researchers by providing intensive courses on topics ranging from fundamentals to state-of-the-art methods.
We are delighted to bring this globally renowned series to West Africa for the first time, with Senegal as our host country. MLSS Senegal 2025 offers PhD students and advanced learners a unique opportunity to engage with top experts and explore cutting-edge techniques in machine learning.


Lecturer Lineup


Schedule, MLSS-Senegal'25,
Week 1 (June 23–27)

June 23 June 24 June 25 June 26 June 27
09:00–
10:30
Opening & Mixer
Natural Language Processing
Natalie Schluter (2/3)
Mathematical Foundations of
Neural Scaling Laws
Elvis Dohmatob (1/3)
Mathematical Foundations of
Neural Scaling Laws
Elvis Dohmatob (2/3)
Reinforcement Learning
Gergely Neu (3/3)
Coffee Break
11:00–
12:30
Vendi Scoring For Science and Machine Learning
Adji Bousso Dieng (1/3)
Optimization for Machine Learning
Ashia Wilson (2/3)
Natural Language Processing
Natalie Schluter (3/3)
Reinforcement Learning
Gergely Neu (1/3)
Mathematical Foundations of
Neural Scaling Laws
Elvis Dohmatob (3/3)
Lunch Break
14:00–
15:30
Optimization for Machine Learning
Ashia Wilson (1/3)
Vendi Scoring For Science and Machine Learning
Adji Bousso Dieng (2/3)
Optimization for Machine Learning
Ashia Wilson (3/3)
Reinforcement Learning
Gergely Neu (2/3)
Differentiable Programming
Mathieu Blondel (2/3)
Coffee Break
16:00–
17:30
Natural Language Processing
Natalie Schluter (1/3)
Parallel and Distributed Deep Learning
Marieme Ngom (1/2)
Parallel and Distributed Deep Learning
Marieme Ngom (2/2)
Differentiable Programming
Mathieu Blondel (1/3)
Differentiable Programming
Mathieu Blondel (3/3)
18:00–
19:30
Apéro Poster
Vendi Scoring For Science and Machine Learning
Adji Bousso Dieng (3/3)

Machine Learning Summer Vibes
MLSS–Senegal, 2025
Weekend ( June 28 29 )
Saturday (June 28) Sunday (June 29) MLSS-Senegal 2025
09:00—
17:00
Free time for self-study
Leisure Activities
18:00

22:00

26:00

⏰⏰⏰
Dakar by Night
Sunset + Dinner + Lost in Town
Free time

Application

Application Period: December 15 – February 28 New deadline: March 14, 2025 (AoE)

Notification of Acceptance: March 31 New deadline: April 4, 2025 (AoE)
📬 Please check your spam folder. If you haven’t received an email, feel free to contact us directly.

Fees: $450 due on May 9 (AOE)

The application process is open to PhD students, post-docs, and other advanced learners. Applicants are required to submit a one-page self-recommendation letter explaining how the summer school will benefit them, along with a one-page CV summarizing their contributions in machine learning.


Applications must be submitted through the Application Form .


If you require financial support (e.g., registration fee waiver, accommodation, travel assistance), please indicate this in your application form. Please note that the registration fee does not include accommodation. Participants are kindly expected to arrange their own lodging. To assist with this, we will provide detailed travel and accommodation information on our website in the coming weeks.

Sponsors

Gold

Silver

Bronze

Organizing Partners

Travel information

Dates: June 23 - July 4

Location: The African Institute for Mathematical Sciences AIMS-Senegal

AIMS Mbour is a scenic location situated along the Atlantic coast of Senegal. The venue is approximately a 1.5-hour drive from Dakar city center and around 30 kilometers from Blaise Diagne International Airport, offering convenient access for international participants.


Vaccination Requirements

Hepatitis A: A single dose should be administered at least 15 days before departure, with a booster dose recommended 1 to 3 (or up to 5) years later. For children, vaccination is available from the age of 1 year.

Yellow Fever: A single dose must be administered at least 10 days before travel. For children, vaccination is available from 9 months of age (or in specific circumstances between 6 and 9 months).

For more information, visit: Road to Senegal

Program committee

If you’re interested in contributing to MLSS Senegal 2025, we welcome your support and ideas. Together, we aim to create a transformative learning experience for all participants. We are also deeply grateful for the invaluable support of local contributors, international advisors, and volunteers whose efforts ensure the success of this event. A full list of contributors and collaborators will be shared as the event approaches.

Logistics

Organizers