ISNPS 2026 Student Paper Competition — Call for Submissions
ISNPS 2026 Student Paper Competition — Call for Submissions
Deadline: January 31, 2026 (23:59 Pacific daylight time)
Conference: International Symposium on Nonparametric Statistics (ISNPS 2026)
Website: https://easyconferences.eu/isnps2026
The program scientific committee of ISNPS 2026 invites student submissions in nonparametric statistics, broadly construed to include theory, methods, and applications with modern connections to machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI). Papers already accepted for publication are not eligible. We expect approximately 4–5 winners. Winners will:
- Present in a dedicated invited session at ISNPS 2026
- Receive an ISNPS 2026 registration fee waiver
- Be awarded a prize and an award certificate
Outstanding honorable mentions may choose to present either in the competitive Student Poster Session (award-eligible) or in a contributed session.
Eligibility
- The author must be a current graduate student at the time of submission
- The student must be the first and presenting author (joint first authorships are not allowed)
- The paper must not be accepted for publication at the time of submission
- The student must be willing to attend ISNPS 2026 and present if selected
- One submission per student to this competition
Submission Materials
Submit via the ISNPS 2026 Submission Portal (EasyConferences):
https://easyconferences.eu/isnps2026/
Include the following PDFs. Items 1–4 must be blinded (no author-identifying information). The advisor’s letter (Item 5) need not be blinded.
- Title
- Abstract
- Main Paper File — PDF, single-column (no two-column format), max 30 pages total including references and appendices; double-spacing is not required
- Supplement — Optional appendix with proofs, technical details, extended experiments, etc.
- Advisor’s Letter — Verifies current student status and describes the applicant’s contribution (for coauthored work)
All materials must be in English and submitted by January 31, 2026 (23:59 PDT).
Submissions (Items 1–4) must be fully anonymized: - Omit author names/affiliations, acknowledgments, and self-identifying references - Scrub identifying info from file names and metadata - Refer to prior work in the third person or as “Blinded for review”
Review Process
An ad hoc committee chaired by Jelena Bradic will evaluate submissions holistically, emphasizing: - Strength of scholarly contribution - Degree of innovation and overall significance (theoretical, methodological, applied) - Relevance to nonparametric statistics broadly construed, including connections to ML, AI, and real-world applications
Reviewers with conflicts of interest (e.g., advisor/advisee relationships, recent coauthorships, or same institution) will be recused.
Timeline
- Submission deadline: January 31, 2026 (23:59 PDT)
- Notifications: March 2026
- Final titles/abstracts due (for program): April 2026
- Session confirmations & scheduling: April–May 2026
Awards & Presentation
- Awards (4–5 expected):
- Invited talks in a dedicated invited session at ISNPS 2026
- ISNPS 2026 registration fee waived
- Award certificate
- Honorable Mentions: Choice of Student Poster Session (award-eligible) or a contributed session
- Top winner: €500 toward travel expenses
- Other awardees: €250 each
Contact & More Information
For any questions, contact Jelena Bradic at jelena.bradic@cornell.edu.
More information is available at:
- ISNPS Website
- ISNPS 2026 Conference Page https://easyconferences.eu/isnps2026
FAQ
Who can apply?
Graduate students who are the first and presenting author at submission time. One submission per student.
What counts as “nonparametric”?
Broadly construed—core nonparametrics and work with strong links to ML and AI (theory, methods, or applications) are welcome.
Is previously submitted or under-review work allowed?
Yes, as long as the paper has not been accepted for publication by the submission deadline.
Can I have coauthors (including faculty/industry)?
Yes. Coauthors are allowed, but the student must be first and presenting author. The Advisor’s Letter should describe the student’s contribution.
What exactly should I upload?
1. Title
2. Abstract
3. Main Paper File (PDF, single-column, max 30 pages including references and appendices)
4. Optional Supplement
5. Advisor’s Letter
How strict is the 30-page limit?
Strict. The Main Paper File may not exceed 30 pages total. The Supplement has no fixed limit but should be concise.
Any font/margin requirements?
No specific style mandated. Use a readable font, standard margins, and single-column PDF format.
How do I blind my submission?
Remove names/affiliations and acknowledgments; cite prior work in the third person or as “Blinded for review”; scrub author info from file names and metadata.
How are papers reviewed?
A holistic review by an ad hoc committee chaired by Professor Jelena Bradic, focusing on scholarly contribution, innovation, significance, and relevance to nonparametric statistics and ML/AI.
What do winners receive?
~4–5 winners present in a dedicated invited session, receive a registration fee waiver, and an award certificate.
Top winner: €500 travel support; other awardees: €250.
Honorable mentions may present in the Student Poster Session or a contributed session.
Does the fee waiver cover travel or lodging?
No. It applies to the ISNPS 2026 registration fee only.
When will I hear back?
Target notifications: March 2026
Can I update my paper after submission?
Yes, until the submission deadline. After that, submissions are locked.
Can I submit the same paper elsewhere?
Yes, if the paper is not accepted for publication by the ISNPS deadline and there’s no conflict with presenting at ISNPS.
Will you provide letters for visas or travel support?
Presentation/acceptance letters can be provided upon request. Travel support is not guaranteed.
What about data/ethics?
Ensure IRB/ethics approvals, de-identify sensitive data, and follow data-use agreements. Include statements on reproducibility and data/code availability if possible.