SIAM Activity Group on Optimization Best Paper Prize

Prize Description

The SIAM Activity Group on Optimization Best Paper Prize (SIAG/OPT Best Paper Prize) is awarded every three years to the author(s) of the most outstanding paper, as determined by the prize committee, on a topic in optimization published in the four calendar years preceding the award year.

Read the full prize specifications.

Eligibility Criteria

The qualifying paper must contain significant research contributions to the field of optimization, as commonly defined in the mathematical literature, with direct or potential applications. The paper must have been published in English in a peer-reviewed journal within the four calendar years preceding the award year.

For the 2026 award, the paper must have been published between the dates of January 1, 2022 – December 31, 2025.

Required Materials

• Nominator’s letter of recommendation for candidate paper
• Bibliographic citation for candidate paper
• Digital version of the candidate paper (PDF required)

About the Award

The SIAG/OPT Best Paper Prize includes a certificate containing the citation. If the selected paper has multiple authors, each author will receive a certificate. As part of the award, the recipient will be invited to give a brief plenary talk at the conference. SIAM will reimburse the recipient for reasonable travel expenses incurred in attending the conference to receive the award and give the talk.

Learn more about the past recipients and selection committees.

Award Date

The prize will next be awarded in 2026 at the SIAM Conference on Optimization.

Award Presentation