To recognize outstanding contributions to the field of optimization and encourage excellence in research, the International Conference on Optimization: Techniques and Applications (ICOTA 2026) will present the following three best paper awards. Each award category includes two categories:

• Faculty/Researcher Track

• Graduate Student Track

For all accepted full papers presented at ICOTA 2026, only those papers whose authors are duly registered (with payment completed) for and attend the conference will be eligible for consideration.

• Best Theory Paper Award

• Best Software / Algorithm Paper Award

• Best Application Paper Award

If you wish to be considered for the Best Paper Award, please submit the full paper to the organizing committee’s designated email address (icota2026@163.com and cc: zhuxi0130@126.com) by March 27, 2026.

Email subject line must be exactly one of the following:

• Best Paper Awards for Faculty/Researcher

• Best Paper Awards for Graduate Student

Contact: For questions regarding submissions or awards, please email: icota2026@163.com

Conference Website: /ICOTA2026

The ICOTA 2026 Organizing Committee reserves the right to modify these guidelines as needed.