[DMANET] PACE Challenge: Searching for PC chair(s) for PACE 2027; announcing prize money for PACE 2026

The Parameterized Algorithms and Computational Experiments Challenge (PACE) is an annual implementation challenge aimed to connect the theory of parameterized algorithm design to practice. The 11th iteration of the challenge (PACE 2026) is currently running, chaired by Alexander Leonhardt, Manuel Penschuck, and Mathias Weller. See www.PACEChallenge.org for more details. PACE 2026 will conclude with an award ceremony at ALGO 2026. Contrary to earlier communication, we are happy to announce that the NETWORKS consortium has made 4000 euros in prize money available for PACE 2026.

In the fall of 2026, the next iteration (PACE 2027) is scheduled to start. The PACE steering committee is looking for PC chair(s) with experience at the interface of parameterized complexity theory and applied algorithmics to organize PACE 2027. The PC chair(s) assemble a small program committee, whose work consists of selecting a challenge problem, setting up benchmark inputs, collecting/evaluating submissions, and hosting the award ceremony at ALGO. After an iteration of PACE is concluded, the PC publishes a report summarizing the outcomes in the proceedings of IPEC, the International Symposium on Parameterized and Exact Computation. Chairing an iteration of PACE is a great way to inspire and challenge a new generation of researchers, as well as an opportunity to learn about diverse approaches to solve hard problems in practice.

Researchers interested to take on the challenge of being the PC chair for PACE 2027 are invited to email the PACE steering committee chair, Bart M. P. Jansen, at b.m.p.jansen@tue.nl with a short motivation of their interest and the intended challenge problem. For the next iteration of the challenge, the steering committee is open to novel types of challenge problems such as reconfiguration problems, counting problems, or enumeration problems, to identify areas in which techniques from parameterized algorithmics are most competitive.

If several researchers express interest in co-chairing PACE 2027, the steering committee has the option of performing matchmaking to assemble a team of PC co-chairs if all parties agree. Proposals will be evaluated based on their alignment with the PACE mission, which can be found here: https://pacechallenge.org/about/ . The deadline for applications is February 6th 2026. Informal inquiries about the position are welcome and can be sent to the same email address.

On behalf of the PACE Steering Committee,

Bart M. P. Jansen.
PACE Steering committee chair.
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