Symbolic AI and ML
in Baixada Santista
11-13 November, 2026 • SESC-Santos • Santos-SP, Brazil
11-13 November, 2026 • SESC-Santos • Santos-SP, Brazil
Symbolic Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Baixada Santista (SAMBA) is an international scientific meeting bringing together Brazilian and international universities, research centers, and companies working in symbolic AI & ML.
Modern scientific knowledge depends on rigorous, transparent methods. Formulating clear hypotheses, curating data, and modeling phenomena using mathematical and symbolic representations are critical steps in an iterative process of analysis and refinement. Understanding these AI models is vital to validating them and gaining deeper insights into the studied domains.
Co-organized by the Federal University of ABC, Universidade de Brasilia, Toulouse Capitole University, and Autogenetics, the workshop features presentations from invited speakers and is open to the general public free of charge.
Invited speakers will be eligible to submit their work for a special issue of Genetic Programming and Evolvable Machines (GPEM) -- a journal with a hybrid publishing model, no publication fees required.
Invitation letters for presentation or participation can be requested to the organizers.
Yuri Cossich Lavinas
Toulouse Capitole UniversityUniversidade de Brasilia
Julia Reuter
Federal University of ABC
Fabricio Olivetti de França (folivetti@ufabc.edu.br)
Federal University of ABC
Anselmo Pontes
Autogenetics
Alessandro Lucantonio
Aarhus University
Christina Berghegger
Toulouse Capitole University
Geoffrey Bomarito
NASA
Giorgia Nadizar
Toulouse Capitole University
Ícaro Marcelino Miranda
Universidade de Brasília
Phelipe Darc
Centro Brasileiro De Pesquisas Físicas
Renato Tinós
University of São Paulo
Roger Guimera
Universitat Rovira i Virgili
Sylvain Cussat-Blanc
Toulouse Capitole University
Wolfgang Banzhaf
Michigan State University
📍 Rua Conselheiro Ribas, 136 - Aparecida, Santos - SP
SAMBA 2026 will be hosted at SESC-Santos, a vibrant cultural and sports center located in the Aparecida neighborhood. The venue provides excellent modern facilities and is perfectly situated within walking distance of Praia de Aparecida, local shopping centers, and top-tier hotel options.
We recommend staying in the Aparecida, Ponta da Praia, or Gonzaga neighborhoods for the best access to SESC-Santos and local dining.
📍 Al. Armênio Mendes, 70 - Aparecida (Closest to Venue)
Located within the Praiamar complex, this premium option is just a 5-minute walk from the SESC-Santos venue. Ideal for maximum convenience and comfort.
📍 Av. Ana Costa, 555 - Gonzaga (Premium Gonzaga)
A traditional, elegant hotel located at the heart of Gonzaga. Close to shopping malls, extensive dining options, and just a short walk to the beach.
📍 Av. Ana Costa, 473 - Gonzaga (Vibrant Area)
Situated in the bustling Gonzaga district. It offers immediate access to the beach, shopping galleries, and top-tier gastronomy. A short 10-minute taxi ride to the venue.
📍 Av. Rei Alberto I, 177 - Ponta da Praia (Near the Port)
Located in the upscale Ponta da Praia neighborhood. A comfortable, modern stay conveniently close to the port, aquarium, and incredible local seafood spots.
📍 Av. Vicente de Carvalho, 50 - Boqueirão (Budget Friendly)
A reliable, cost-effective option very close to the beach and local amenities. Easy transport access to SESC-Santos via public transit or rideshare.
International and domestic visitors will fly into São Paulo. Guarulhos (GRU) is the primary international hub, while Congonhas (CGH) serves mostly domestic flights.
From GRU: Direct executive buses via Viação Cometa run frequently straight to the Santos bus terminal. Alternatively, private drivers can be requested for approximately R$ 400,00 (USD 80,00).
From CGH: Take a short taxi/Uber to the Jabaquara Bus Terminal. From there, extremely comfortable coaches depart for Santos every 15 minutes.
Car Rental: If you plan to rent a car, ensure your GPS routes you through the Rodovia dos Imigrantes (Imigrantes Road). This is the safest and most modern route to descend the mountains to the coast.
Balance rigorous academic discussion with the natural beauty and rich flavors of the Brazilian coast.
Santos features the longest beach garden in the world, perfect for morning beach runs or scenic walks alongside the famous Muretas de Santos.
If you enjoy coastal photography or hiking, consider a day trip up the coast to Bertioga. The contrast between the Atlantic Forest mountains and the clear waters provides spectacular scenery.
The Gonzaga and Ponta da Praia areas are dense with excellent culinary options, bridging traditional coastal seafood with modern gastronomy.
We highly recommend local bistros that elevate their dishes with robust regional ingredients. Look for menus featuring rich mushroom reductions, artisanal cheeses, and creative savory sauces—especially those utilizing high-quality local cachaça to perfectly glaze lean cuts or fresh Atlantic catches.
