Brief Information
Rising Stars in Computer Graphics 2026 is a prestigious two-year career development program designed for emerging researchers preparing to enter the academic or industry job market. The program supports computer graphics PhD students and postdocs who expect to complete their PhD or postdoc in 2028.
Through workshops, senior mentorship, and peer networking, Rising Stars in Computer Graphics 2026 helps participants explore career pathways and successfully prepare for the competitive research job market.
Key Dates & Details
- Application Deadline: March 27 (recommendation letter must also be submitted by this date)
- Decision Notification: April 24
- Workshop Dates: July 19 – July 23 (co-located with SIGGRAPH 2026)
- Program Duration: 2 years (SIGGRAPH 2026 & SIGGRAPH 2027)
- Location: Co-located with SIGGRAPH (Annual Conference on Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques)
- Organiser: WiGRAPH
- Funding: Partial travel support available for eligible participants
Official SIGGRAPH Website:
https://s2026.siggraph.org/
Official WiGRAPH Website:
https://www.wigraph.org/
Rising Stars Program Page:
https://www.wigraph.org/programs/rising-stars/
Table of Contents
Overview
Rising Stars in Computer Graphics 2026 is designed to bring new perspectives and stronger representation into the field of computer graphics research. The program specifically targets researchers who are approximately two years away from entering the job market. At this stage, most candidates have achieved significant research maturity but are still shaping their long-term academic or industry careers.
The program consists of three core components:
1️⃣ SIGGRAPH Workshops (2026 & 2027)
Participants will attend two workshops co-located with SIGGRAPH:
- SIGGRAPH 2026 Workshop: Focuses on exploring different career trajectories in graphics research, including academia and industry.
- SIGGRAPH 2027 Workshop: Focuses on successfully navigating the research job market, including applications, interviews, and positioning research impact.
These workshops provide structured discussions, professional development sessions, and direct engagement with leaders in the computer graphics community.
2️⃣ Senior Mentorship
Each Rising Stars in Computer Graphics 2026 participant is paired with a senior mentor. This structured mentorship includes:
- Career strategy discussions
- Research positioning guidance
- Job market preparation advice
- Professional networking support
This one-on-one mentoring relationship is one of the strongest advantages of the program.
3️⃣ Peer Mentorship & Community Building
In addition to senior mentoring, participants engage in peer-mentoring activities. These sessions encourage collaboration, exchange of ideas, and the formation of long-term professional networks.
By the end of the two-year journey, Rising Stars in Computer Graphics 2026 participants become part of a strong and supportive research community.
Travel Support
WiGRAPH provides partial travel support for Rising Star participants whose home institutions are unable to cover travel expenses. The goal is to provide support for both program years, making participation more accessible.
Eligibility
To apply for Rising Stars in Computer Graphics 2026, applicants must:
- Be a computer graphics PhD student or postdoctoral researcher
- Be within two years of entering the research job market
- Expect to complete their PhD or postdoc in 2028
- Belong to underrepresented genders, including:
- Cisgender women
- Trans people of any gender
- Non-binary individuals
- Historically marginalized or underrepresented genders
The program aims to improve inclusion and diversity in the computer graphics research ecosystem.
Applicants who are unsure about their eligibility are encouraged to review the detailed eligibility FAQs on the official Rising Stars page.
Application Details
Applicants must prepare and submit the following materials:
Required Documents
- One Letter of Recommendation
- Updated CV (with links to website and publications, if available)
- EasyChair Application Form including:
- 500-word research statement
- 500-word personal statement
Research Statement
The research statement should demonstrate research maturity and highlight clear contributions to the field of computer graphics.
Personal Statement
The personal statement should show how the applicant will positively impact the computer graphics research community. Applicants may describe:
- What makes their background unique
- Their passion for computer graphics research
- Leadership and collaboration experiences
- Contributions to the research community
Recommendation Letter Submission
Letter writers must send recommendation letters to:
The email subject must include:
- Applicant’s name
- Application ID (assigned by EasyChair)
It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that their recommender submits the letter before the deadline.
Updating Applications
EasyChair allows applicants to update their materials until the March 27 deadline. Applicants are encouraged to submit early and revise if necessary.
FAQ
1. Who is the program designed for?
Rising Stars in Computer Graphics 2026 is designed for PhD students and postdocs preparing to enter the job market within two years.
2. Is travel funding guaranteed?
Partial travel support is available for participants whose institutions cannot cover travel costs. Funding is subject to availability.
3. What makes this program unique?
The two-year structure, combined with SIGGRAPH workshops, senior mentoring, and peer networking, provides long-term career development rather than a one-time event.
4. Can international applicants apply?
Yes. The program is open globally, provided applicants meet the eligibility criteria.
Official Link
For full details, FAQs, and application submission, visit the official program page:
https://www.wigraph.org/programs/rising-stars
We strongly recommend reviewing all instructions carefully before submitting your application.
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