Finegrained inference mechanisms and contextuality are emphasized in the current artificial intelligence research. The intuition - based on learning and experience - is seen as a important factor along with the symbolic knowledge and logical inference when intelligent systems are being developed.
I wish to thank all those who contributed to the success of the conference as well as the athmospheric University of Vaasa serving as the host! My special thanks are due to professor Jarmo T. Alander and Nina Backlund who were responsible the arrangements.
Timo Honkela
Finnish Artificial Intelligence Society, president