Transactions on Machine Learning Research

Transactions on Machine Learning Research (TMLR) is a new venue for dissemination of machine learning research

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

As in previous years, TMLR will pause new submissions over the upcoming holiday period from November 30, 2026 at 11:59 PM to January 3, 2027 at 11:59 PM (AoE timezone for both). We will resume accepting new submissions on January 4, 2027. Happy Holidays!

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

What is TMLR doing under a 300% increase in submissions?
- Suspensions of >150 authors
- Publicly naming major violations
- Submission quotas distinguishing slop patterns
- Desk rejections 6% → 53%; focus on clarity
- AI reviews evaluating soundness
https://t.co/TCFt0TB9RU

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

ICYMI, here's the latest post, where Co-EiC Nihar Shah asked authors of papers to be desk rejected about their own submissions. They couldn't answer his questions!
https://t.co/QT5URf24GP

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

TMLR now has a shiny new blog! By popular demand, the days of Medium are over. All the old posts are already ported, please check it out (and its beautiful colour scheme). Thanks to Managing Editor @PaulVicol for setting it up!
https://t.co/EQnkrqmkAg

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

Another detail that might be interesting to folks:

"The fraction of desk rejected papers at TMLR used to be about 6% in 2023 but is now at about 53%."

(Important caveat that our policies and stances towards desk rejection have shifted, not just submission quality.)

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

TMLR has faced a deluge of submissions, necessitating stricter desk rejection policies due to limited reviewer capacity

Co-EiC Nihar Shah reached out to authors of 10 papers slated for desk reject. Could they answer questions about their *own* submission?
https://t.co/vhX5w6gcx2

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

Spoilers: all 10 ended up being desk rejected.

- 1 paper withdrawn
- 1 author was too busy for a call
- 1 author no-showed
- Authors of 3 papers couldn't answer basic qs
- Authors of 3 papers could, but not technical qs
- 1 author answered all qs, but paper had a major flaw

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

You can read the revised acceptance criteria here: https://t.co/zlyRymvsrC

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

TMLR has refocused its acceptance criteria to place more emphasis on clear writing. Read more in this blog post: https://t.co/ITAcN6wUxG

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

Starting September 1, 2026, TMLR will no longer be considering survey papers for review. This is in part due to limited reviewer resources and significant required labour for reviewing surveys, as well as the evolving role of surveys in our field.

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

Folks should be around until at least 12:30 PM, so drop in any time during that period.

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

Some of the TMLR Editors in Chief are doing a meet-and-greet tomorrow at #ICML2026!

July 7 at 11 AM in The Platz

Come and:
- discuss new policies (submission quotas, AI reviewer)
- pick up stickers if you're an AE, expert reviewer, etc.
- just hang out!

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

Find The Platz within the COEX compound -- it's where the Luggage check is!
https://t.co/uRQizJw5JY

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

https://t.co/K9AjTOGBra

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

TMLR will be experimenting with an AI reviewer, solely to judge submissions against the soundness criterion ("are the claims supported by accurate, clear, and convincing evidence?"). More details in the following blog post.

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

We're pleased to announce our newest Editor-in-Chief, Yoshitomo Matsubara (@yoshitomo_cs)! He started his term July 1, 2026. He has long been one of our most committed and thoughtful Action Editors, and we know he'll do a great job as a leader of the journal.

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

More details in our post: https://t.co/G2zGZL07ve

We understand this will (by design!) prevent submissions that authors would have liked to undergo review. But strong measures (this is one of several) are necessary to protect our valuable and human team of reviewers and AEs. 5/5

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

TMLR has been facing an significant uptick in the number of submissions since the start of the year. This is placing an extreme burden on our amazing team of reviewers and action editors.

To ease this burden, TMLR will be implementing submission quotas, effective July 1. 1/n

[Transactions on Machine Learning Research @TmlrOrg]

Members of our editorial team, including AEs and reviewers, enjoy doubled quotas. You can self-nominate to be an AE or a reviewer, see our FAQ: https://t.co/kXdVR4YMLR 4/n