The ACM Special Interest Group on Multimedia (SIGMM) is the leading community for researchers, engineers, and practitioners dedicated to advancing all aspects of multimedia computing, communication, storage, and applications. As a central hub for multimedia innovation, SIGMM fosters collaboration, knowledge exchange, and the development of cutting-edge technologies that shape the future of digital media.
From interactive experiences and AI-driven multimedia to next-generation streaming systems, extended reality, and multimedia retrieval, SIGMM supports and connects experts working at the forefront of multimedia research, shaping the future of how we create, analyse, and interact with digital content.
Our Mission and Activities
SIGMM plays a vital role in shaping the multimedia field through:
- organising premier conferences and workshops, serving as venues for cutting-edge research and collaboration;
- recognising excellence, through awards that highlight impactful contributions to multimedia;
- building an inclusive, global community, supporting local chapters, student programs, and diversity initiatives;
- providing a dedicated multimedia news platform through SIGMM Records, a quarterly newsletter covering key updates, discussions, and developments in the field.
Premier Conferences and Workshops
SIGMM organise and fully sponsor some of the most influential conferences in the multimedia domain, including:
- ACM Multimedia (MM), the flagship conference for groundbreaking multimedia research;
- ACM Multimedia Systems (MMSys), focusing on system-level innovations in multimedia processing and delivery;
- ACM International Conference on Multimedia Retrieval (ICMR), advancing multimedia search, retrieval, and understanding;
- ACM IMX (Interactive Media Experiences), exploring human interaction in digital and immersive media;
- ACM Multimedia Asia, MHV, IH&MMSec, and more, regional and specialized conferences addressing multimedia security, video streaming, and emerging applications.
Through these events, SIGMM creates opportunities for networking, collaboration, and the dissemination of pioneering research, with dedicated tracks for open-source projects, grand challenges, and artistic multimedia.
Recognising Excellence in Multimedia Research
Outstanding contributions in multimedia are highlighted through various SIGMM awards:
- SIGMM Technical Achievement Award: honouring lifetime achievements in multimedia research;
- SIGMM Rising Star Award: recognising emerging leaders in the field;
- Best SIGMM PhD Thesis Award: acknowledging the most impactful doctoral research.
Building a Stronger Multimedia Community
SIGMM is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment. Key initiatives include:
- Diversity workshops, promoting inclusivity and amplifying underrepresented voices;
- SIGMM Local Chapters, supporting local networking and collaboration worldwide;
- Doctoral Symposium at SIGMM-supported events, providing mentorship and guidance to early-career researchers.
SIGMM Records: A Platform for Multimedia Research and News
The SIGMM Records is a quarterly newsletter that serves as a platform for disseminating multimedia-related insights and announcements while providing updates on SIGMM activities.
The Records do not publish original research but offer space for:
- summaries of successful research projects and background stories;
- announcements of official ACM SIGMM news;
- discussions on key developments and emerging trends in multimedia.
By offering a dedicated space for discussion and engagement, the SIGMM Records help foster a well-informed and connected multimedia research community.
Why Join SIGMM?
Becoming a member of SIGMM connects you to a global network of multimedia experts and provides access to exclusive benefits, including:
- Discounted Registration: reduced fees for SIGMM-sponsored conferences such as MM, MMSys, ICMR, IMX, and IH&MMSec;
- ACM Digital Library Access: stay up to date with the latest SIGMM research publications;
- Funding Opportunities: apply for grants to support research initiatives, young scholars, and underrepresented communities;
- Student Travel Grants: supporting student participation at SIGMM-sponsored events;
- Diversity & Inclusion Initiatives: programs including childcare support, companion travel grants, and dedicated networking events.
SIGMM is not only a research community but a platform for shaping the future of multimedia through collaboration, innovation, and support.
ACM SIGMM 