Skip to main content

Get It in Check: Tech Program Adopts Research Checklist

papers attendees

Just in time for its annual influx, SC26’s Technical Program has unveiled a new research quality checklist for all paper submissions. Inspired from best practices adopted recently by other high-profile technical computing conferences, the SC26 checklist, now part of the online paper submission process, is designed to ensure that innovative ideas in high-performance computing are communicated with clarity, methodological rigor, and reproducibility.

As HPC systems grow in scale and complexity, from exascale architectures to heterogeneous and domain-specific platforms, the community faces increasing demands for transparency, reproducibility, and careful experimental validation. The SC26 checklist reflects a broader cultural shift across computational sciences toward reproducible, transparent, and well-documented research. By formalizing expectations around benchmarking practices, experimental rigor, and scope clarity, the checklist provides a structured framework to help authors and reviewers produce high-quality, durable contributions to the field. 

As part of the new guidelines, authors are asked to explicitly address key dimensions of high-quality HPC research, including:

  • Clear motivation and precise problem definition
  • Thorough engagement with recent state-of-the-art research
  • Explicit articulation of contributions
  • Detailed experimental methodology, including hardware and software configurations
  • Statistical validation and inclusion of appropriate performance baselines
  • Discussion of limitations and scope boundaries
  • Consideration of reproducibility challenges

The checklist is not intended to exclude innovative or early-stage ideas. Provided they offer a concise, factual explanation, authors may indicate “No” or “N/A” where appropriate. The completed checklist must be submitted via Linklings at the same time as the paper upload. Submissions that do not include a completed checklist or submit an incomplete checklist will be desk rejected. Reviewers may use the checklist to assess completeness and fit, helping to create a more consistent and fair review process across the technical tracks.

This initiative is a community-driven step forward. As SC26 marks the first year of implementation, feedback from authors and reviewers will be essential in refining and improving the process for future years.


For additional information about submission guidelines and deadlines, please visit:

Learn More

SC26 will host a webinar to describe the checklist, explain some of the internal aspects of the review process, empower Track Chairs to attract papers to their tracks, and remind authors about the guidelines and their responsibilities. 

papers

Papers webinar

27 MAR 2026
9:30–10:30 am ET/1:30–2:30 pm UTC

Upon registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

The webinar will provide comprehensive guidance about paper preparation and submission. Topics will include:

  • How to effectively complete and integrate the SC26 checklist
  • Expectations for methodological rigor and reproducibility in HPC research
  • Track-specific priorities and evaluation criteria
  • Appropriate and responsible use of AI tools in manuscript preparation/review

Track Chairs from across SC26 will provide tailored guidance aligned with their respective tracks, ensuring that authors clearly understand scope, standards, and review expectations. A live Q&A session will allow participants to raise questions and clarify concerns prior to submission. This webinar is intended not only to explain policies, but to create a shared understanding of what constitutes a well-documented, impactful HPC paper supported by a robust review process guided by the highest standards of scientific integrity.

Paper Submission Deadlines

1 APR 2026

Abstract Submissions Close

8 APR 2026 (No Extensions)

Paper Submissions Close

28 APR 2026 (Mandatory)

AD Appendix Due

news back

Stay Up to Date

Sign up to receive the SC newsletter in your inbox.

Information provided is treated in accordance with IEEE and ACM privacy policies.

Back To Top Button