Foundations and Trends in Information Retrieval

Scope & Guideline

Shaping the future of search and discovery.

Introduction

Welcome to the Foundations and Trends in Information Retrieval information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Foundations and Trends in Information Retrieval, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1554-0669
PublisherNOW PUBLISHERS INC
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited States
TypeJournal
Converge2006, from 2008 to 2023
AbbreviationFOUND TRENDS INF RET / Found. Trends Inf. Retr.
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressPO BOX 1024, HANOVER, MA 02339, UNITED STATES

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Foundations and Trends in Information Retrieval' is dedicated to advancing the understanding and development of information retrieval systems and methodologies. It encompasses a broad range of research areas, providing significant insights into how users interact with information and the technologies that support these interactions.
  1. User-Centric Information Retrieval:
    Research focused on understanding user behavior and needs in information retrieval contexts, including studies that explore user simulation, conversational information seeking, and the perspectives of diverse user groups.
  2. Advanced Learning Techniques:
    Exploration of sophisticated machine learning methods, particularly neural networks and tree-based algorithms for ranking and retrieval tasks, including deep learning applications within dialogue systems.
  3. Evaluation and Effectiveness:
    Emphasis on evaluating information retrieval systems through various methodologies, including the development of metrics and frameworks for assessing the effectiveness of search interfaces and information access systems.
  4. Fairness and Ethics in Information Retrieval:
    Investigation into the ethical implications of information access systems, addressing issues of fairness and bias in algorithmic decision-making processes.
  5. Emerging Technologies in Information Retrieval:
    Incorporation of cutting-edge technologies such as quantum computing and novel neural representation methods to enhance information retrieval capabilities.
The journal has identified several trending and emerging themes that reflect the evolving landscape of information retrieval research. These themes highlight the increasing complexity and interdisciplinary nature of the field.
  1. Multi-hop Question Answering:
    An emerging focus on multi-hop question answering systems, which require the integration of information from multiple sources to provide accurate responses, showcasing the demand for more sophisticated retrieval techniques.
  2. Conversational Information Seeking:
    A growing interest in conversational interfaces for information retrieval, reflecting the rise of voice-activated and chat-based systems that allow users to interact more naturally with information systems.
  3. Fairness and Equity in Information Systems:
    An increasing emphasis on fairness and equity within information access systems, addressing the need for ethical considerations in algorithm design and implementation.
  4. Neurodiversity and User Experience:
    Research exploring the perspectives of neurodiverse participants in interactive information retrieval, highlighting the importance of inclusive design and user experience in system development.
  5. Quantum-Inspired Information Retrieval Techniques:
    The introduction of quantum-inspired neural methods represents a cutting-edge trend, suggesting a potential transformation in how information is represented and retrieved.

Declining or Waning

While the journal has consistently focused on several core themes, there are areas that appear to be waning in prominence based on recent publications. These declining themes indicate a shift in research focus or a saturation of previously explored topics.
  1. Traditional Search Interface Design:
    While search interface design remains relevant, recent publications indicate a reduced emphasis on traditional design methodologies, possibly due to the rise of more advanced and dynamic interaction models.
  2. Email Collection Retrieval:
    Research specifically targeting search and discovery mechanisms in personal email collections has decreased, suggesting a move towards broader contexts of information retrieval rather than niche applications.
  3. Psychological Insights into Recommender Systems:
    The focus on psychology-informed approaches within recommender systems seems to be declining, perhaps as new methodologies and technologies emerge that prioritize different aspects of user interaction.

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