Student Volunteer Program

The Student Volunteer (SV) program is looking for students to help run the 22nd Annual ACM/IEEE International Conference on Human-Robot Interaction (HRI 2027), held March 8–12, 2027 in Santa Clara, California, USA.

Student Volunteers are the heart of what makes a conference run smoothly. SVs support many activities at the conference, such as the registration desk, technical assistance during presentations, demo setup and takedown, and general attendee support.

Being an SV is a great way to take part in one of the leading conferences in the HRI research community, expand your knowledge, and network with fellow students. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and from everywhere in the world.

Important Dates

All deadlines are 23:59 AoE (Anywhere on Earth).

How Can I Become a Student Volunteer?

We expect about 40 SV positions, although the final number may change. For reference, 171 students applied for HRI 2024 and about 20% were selected, and 139 students applied for HRI 2025 and about 15% were selected.

Every applicant must submit the online application form. Applications sent by email will not be considered. Positions are filled in the following order.

1. Nomination by an HRI 2027 organizer

About 10% of positions are reserved for students nominated by an HRI 2027 organizer. To be nominated, submit the application form and ask the organizer to email us explaining why they are nominating you.

2. Classic selection

About 70% of positions are filled by reviewing applications. Criteria include, but are not limited to:

• A clear motivation for serving as an SV
• A paper or other contribution accepted at HRI 2027 (please tell us the type)
• Selection as an HRI Pioneer
• Skills that would benefit the conference, such as photography, video editing, proficiency in multiple languages, accessibility support, or technical skills
• A connection to the conference theme, Innovative HRI

3. Random selection

The remaining positions are filled by a random draw from the applicants not selected in the first two stages. This gives every applicant a chance, including those who do not match the criteria above.

4. Waitlist

Remaining applicants may be placed on a waitlist, which is ordered randomly. We will not share your position on the waitlist, but we will contact you as soon as a position becomes available.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should I arrive in Santa Clara?

You must arrive in time for the required SV orientation on March 7, 2027. SVs must attend the entire conference, March 8–12, 2027, including workshop days.

2. Do I have to pay the conference registration fee?

No. In thanks for your help, your conference registration and workshop fees are waived.

3. Is travel support available?

Support may become available depending on the budget and outside funding. Please check the conference website for updates.

4. How many hours will I work?

SVs work about 20 hours over the course of the conference. The exact hours will be set closer to the conference, and you will be able to indicate your shift preferences before tasks are assigned. Outside your shifts, you are free to attend workshops and conference sessions.

5. Can I still be an SV if I miss orientation, work fewer than 20 hours, or arrive late?

No. However, if you have already accepted a position and something truly unforeseen happens, such as a severe travel disruption, contact us as soon as you know. We will do our best to work with you, but early communication is essential.

6. I need a visa to travel to the United States. What should I do?

Start the visa process as early as possible, since wait times vary by country and can take several months.

7. How will SVs communicate?

Official announcements, including acceptance and task assignments, will be sent by email. We will also use Discord or Slack for day-to-day coordination.