> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://emory.gitbook.io/ai-research-practicum/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://emory.gitbook.io/ai-research-practicum/assignments/hw2-research-areas.md).

# HW2: Research Areas

This assignment aims to deepen your understanding of a specific AI research area by:

1. Analyzing recent conference proceedings
2. Identifying current trends
3. Exploring state-of-the-art approaches

This preparation will enable you to contribute meaningfully to discussions and collaborative activities related to the in-class exercise in the [Research Areas](/ai-research-practicum/research-areas.md) section.

## Tasks

1. Choose one research area from the [AI Conferences](/ai-research-practicum/research-areas/ai-conferences.md) page.
2. Explore at least three top-tier conferences relevant to your chosen area.
3. Analyze the proceedings from the most recent editions of these conferences (past 3 years), focusing on keynote speeches, best paper awards, workshops and tutorials, and top-cited papers (if available).
4. Identify and summarize 3-5 major trends or themes in current research, 2-3 state-of-the-art approaches or methodologies, and any significant challenges or open problems highlighted.
5. Select one specific paper that you find particularly interesting or innovative. Provide a brief summary of, the problem it addresses, its methodology, and key results and implications.

## Submission

1. Prepare a comprehensive report (1000-1500 words) that includes:
   * Your analysis of recent conference proceedings (Task 3)
   * Summary of major trends, state-of-the-art approaches, and challenges (Task 4)
   * Detailed review of one selected paper (Task 5)
   * A bibliography listing all conference proceedings and papers referenced in your report.
2. Save your report in a PDF file, and submit it to **HW2: Research Areas** on Canvas.

## Rubric

* **Task 3: Conference Analysis** (1 points): Does the analysis effectively cover the key aspects of the selected conferences?
* **Task 4: Trends and Methods** (1 points): Are the major trends, approaches, and challenges clearly identified and accurately summarized?
* **Task 5: Paper Review** (0.5 points): Does the review provide a clear and concise summary of the selected paper?
* **Bibliography** (0.5 points): Is the bibliography complete and accurate?