SFU Computing Science helps bring the global 3D vision research community to Vancouver for 3DV 2026

This year, SFU’s School of Computing Science will help organize and host one of the world’s leading gatherings in 3D computer vision and artificial intelligence, as the International Conference on 3D Vision (3DV 2026) arrives on Canada’s west coast. Marking its 13th edition, the conference will welcome more than 300 researchers, students, and industry professionals from around the world for four days, from March 20 to 23, 2026, for research exchange, collaboration, and community building at the Vancouver Convention Centre.

For SFU’s School of Computing Science, the conference represents both a homecoming and a moment of global visibility. With more than 40 SFU students and faculty participating and seven papers authored by SFU researchers accepted, the School’s strong presence at 3DV 2026 highlights its growing leadership in visual computing, computer vision, and embodied AI. This leadership is further reflected in the conference’s organization, with SFU Computing Science’s Associate Professor Manolis Savva serving as General Chair and Assistant Professor Ali Mahdavi-Amiri as Technical Program Chair.

Advancing the frontiers of 3D vision

Since its inception in 2013, 3DV has established itself as a premier international venue for cutting-edge research in 3D computer vision and graphics. The field sits at the intersection of perception, geometry, and machine learning, enabling machines to interpret and interact with the three-dimensional world. From reconstructing environments using images to enabling robots to navigate complex spaces, the impact of 3D vision continues to expand across industries and applications.

The 2026 program showcases this momentum. A total of 177 technical papers have been accepted, spanning topics such as 3D reconstruction, scene understanding, neural rendering, motion tracking, and embodied intelligence. These works will be presented through a combination of oral talks and interactive poster sessions, offering multiple avenues for engagement.

Unlike larger conferences where interaction can feel distant, 3DV is known for its accessibility and strong sense of community. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage directly with authors, ask detailed questions, and form connections that often extend well beyond the event itself.

A global stage for ideas and collaboration

A defining feature of 3DV 2026 is its international reach. Researchers are traveling from across North America, Europe, Asia, and beyond, bringing diverse perspectives and approaches to shared challenges in 3D perception and intelligent systems.

The conference will also feature keynote presentations from four internationally recognized research leaders: Jitendra Malik, Angela Dai, Christian Rupprecht, and Alec Jacobson. Their talks are expected to provide a deep dive into state-of-the-art developments and a broader reflection on where the field is heading. From emerging techniques in generative 3D modeling to the integration of vision with robotics and embodied AI, these keynotes will help frame key questions for the next generation of research.

Beyond the formal program, networking and social events are designed to foster meaningful connections across career stages and sectors. For graduate students and early-career researchers in particular, these interactions can open doors to collaborations, mentorship, and future opportunities in academia and industry.

Bridging research and real-world impact

The conference is supported by more than 15 academic and industry partners, showing the strong connections between research and real-world applications. As 3D vision technologies continue to shape industries such as autonomous driving, healthcare imaging, gaming, and augmented reality, collaboration between academia and industry has become increasingly important.

These partnerships are reflected not only in sponsorship but also in participation, with industry researchers contributing papers, attending sessions, and engaging directly with the academic community. As the field of 3D vision continues to evolve, conferences like 3DV play a critical role in shaping its direction. They are where new ideas are tested, collaborations are formed, and the boundaries of what is possible are redefined.

Hosting 3DV 2026 in Vancouver highlights the city’s growing reputation as a hub for technology and innovation and reinforces SFU’s position as a global leader in visual computing and artificial intelligence research. It also provides a unique opportunity for the university community to engage with world-class research, strengthen partnerships, and showcase its contributions on an international stage.