Nomination Deadline: To be announced
Call for Nominations
The ACM SIGOPS Rising Star Award recognizes early-career researchers who have made significant contributions to the field of operating systems within ten years of earning their Ph.D. This award fills a critical gap in ACM’s recognition structure, as existing awards (e.g., the ACM Doctoral Dissertation Award, SIGOPS Dennis M. Ritchie Doctoral Dissertation Award, or SIGOPS Mark Weiser Award) primarily honor dissertation work or long-term impact. By contrast, this award celebrates emerging leaders who have demonstrated exceptional promise and innovation in advancing systems research, development, or practice.
This award uniquely targets early-career achievements, aligning with ACM’s mission to nurture future leaders
Eligibility
Nominees must have earned their Ph.D. no more than ten years prior to nomination (calculated as of January 1 of the nomination year). Exceptions may be granted for career interruptions (e.g., parental leave). Nominees must be an ACM Member at the time of nomination, and must not have previously received the Rising Star Award or Mark Weiser Award. Self nomination is allowed.
Nomination Procedure
Nominations must include:
- Nominee’s contact information, including ACM Membership Number.
- Nominator’s contact information and letter of Endorsement (not required for self nomination)
- Nomination letter (max 2 pages) highlighting the candidate’s contributions.
- At least two supporting letters from recognized experts.
- Nominee’s Employment Information (place of employment, position/title, primary field)
- Nominee’s CV (max 2 pages), with all previous awards listed.
Nominators should gather all materials and submit via email to the award committee at RSnominations@sigops.org.
Award Committee
Frans Kaashoek, MIT will chair the committee for the rising star award in 2026.