New in FOCS 2023: A conjectures track

This year, FOCS 2023 will include something new: a Conjectures Track, separate from the Main Track. Submissions to the Main Track will be evaluated along similar lines as STOC/FOCS papers typically are, aiming to accept papers that obtain the very best results across all fields of theoretical computer science. Submissions to the new Conjectures Track will be evaluated completely separately from submissions to the Main Track. There is no a priori acceptance quota for either track, or desired number of accepted papers: it will all depend on the quality of submissions only.

What are we hoping for with the Conjectures track? We think of Khot’s Unique Games Conjecture paper as being the “ideal prototype” for a Conjectures Track paper. Papers submitted to the Conjectures Track should be focused on one or more conjectures, describe evidence for and against them, and motivate them through potential implications. We are particularly excited about this as an opportunity for researchers who have been working on a very hard fundamental problem for a long time, and have identified a conjecture (or family of conjectures) that, if proven, could help resolve the problem.

Papers submitted to the Conjectures Track will be evaluated based on the importance of the conjecture to the relevant field within theoretical computer science and beyond. Of course, conjectures that may open up a new field within theoretical computer science would also be very welcome.

We believe that talks at FOCS 2023 for papers accepted to the Conjectures Track could end up being among the most interesting of the conference. Please think about your favorite conjectures, and write them up!

Amit Sahai, Shubhangi Saraf, and Thomas Vidick

(FOCS 2023 PC Co-Chairs)