Shadow Program Committee

I had the privilege of participating in the Shadow PC for IEEE S&P 2020, a unique initiative that mirrors the peer review process of the conference's official Program Committee (PC). As part of the Shadow PC, we reviewed real submissions, engaged in in-depth discussions, and reached decisions independently before comparing our outcomes with those of the main PC.

As graduate students, we are used to reading and reviewing papers. But this experience added more: structured debate and collaborative decision-making. It challenged us to defend our reasoning, reconcile different viewpoints, and reflect on the nuances of the research.

What stood out the most was the chance to engage with research at a deeper level, see how consensus is reached, and to better understand what makes a paper impactful. A good reminder that peer review is as much about clarity and communication as it is about the technical merit. I left the experience with stronger reviewing skills, a deeper appreciation for academic rigor, and a renewed sense of excitement for the field.