World Ranking of Top Computer Science Conferences in 2020
Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist
On November 10, 2020, Research.com released the latest edition of the annual ranking of top conferences in the area of computer science and electronics. The list of leading conferences is designed to offer the academic community more visibility into conferences that stay at the forefront of computer science, allowing for a clear picture of where the most influential scientists present and discuss their work and ideas.
We hope our ranking will help scientists, decision-makers, and entrepreneurs around the world to find out which conferences are events where the latest innovations in computer science are shared. It is a great opportunity for all of us to learn who are the leading publishers, subject areas, and countries behind these top conferences.
For the 2020 edition of the ranking, more than 1000 conferences have been examined with several indicators and metrics reviewed in order to consider each conference’s inclusion in the ranking. For the first time in the history of our ranking, we have used a novel metric called Impact Score to rank conferences based on the number of contributing top scientists in addition to the h-index estimated from the scientific papers published by top scientists in the last three years. You can read more about the details on our methodology page. The threshold for ranking a conference is the obligation that there are at least 10 papers published by leading scientists during the period covered for this edition. This year's edition is based on data compiled for 2017, 2018, and 2019.
The key findings for the 2020 edition of top computer science conferences ranking
- The best computer science conference in 2020 is IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition with an Impact Score of 51.98 and h5-index of 299
- The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a massive increase in the number of conferences hosted virtually with 21% of all leading conferences being hosted in that format.
- The USA remains the most popular country to host leading computer science conferences, with 22.7% of such conferences taking place there in 2020.
- The US also dominates in terms of overall impact in 2020 based on Impact Score of conferences hosted there with 30.5% of the total global impact attributed to this country.
- The average Impact Score for all ranked conferences is 2.80 while the average for the top 1% of conferences is 22.74
- The most leading computer science conferences focus on machine learning & AI (227 conferences) and computer networks & communication (218).
- As in previous years, the leading publishers indexing computer science conference proceedings are IEEE (47.5% of all leading conferences indexed), Springer (23.4%), and ACM (17.2%)
- On average, top scientists published 53 papers on leading computer science conferences in the last three years.
- On average, a leading computer science conference features publications from 30 top scientists.
The full ranking for the 2020 list of top computer science conferences can be found here:
Professor Imed Bouchrika, a computer scientist responsible for making sure all data in the ranking remained unbiased, accurate, and up-to-date said:
It is becoming a dilemma for researchers to decide which conference should target to publish their contributions. Unfortunately, publishing within a predatory or a mediocre academic venue can risk greatly the reputation of the scholar besides wasting their efforts and funding.
With the setbacks of existing methodologies for ranking academic conferences including either the use of citation-based methods or employing committees of experts to sweep thousands of conferences every year, it becomes vital to exploit the contributions of top scientists in academic venues as an implicit endorsement indicator for quantifying the reputation of academic conferences. In fact, the compiled ranking for top conferences which is based on the perception of top scientists to high quality and prestige, would serve as valuable insight and inspire future researchers to have the chance not just to publish at such prestigious conferences, but to have the opportunity to meet and network with top scientists in their field.
Top conferences based on their Impact Score
The best conference in our ranking is IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition. It got the highest Impact Score of 51.98 ranking significantly higher than the second-best conference: Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems which received an Impact Score of 33.49.
The average Impact Score for all ranked conferences is 2.80 while the average for the top 1% of conferences is 22.74
In the last three years Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition published 2010 papers authored by 549 leading scientists (we only include publications by scientists with h-index>=40). These papers have been cited 175323 times.
Best conferences per area of research
We have categorized each conference into at least one of 14 different areas of study as well as a General Computer Science category.
The most leading computer science conferences focus on machine learning & AI (227 conferences) and computer networks & communication (218).
The IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition is the only leader in three different areas of research while the remaining 11 categories feature a different leader each.
Top Publishers Behind World’s Top Computer Science Conferences
As in previous years, the leading publishers indexing computer science conference proceedings are IEEE (456 leading conferences indexed), Springer (225 conferences indexed), and ACM (165 conferences indexed).
IEEE indexed 47.5% of all leading computer science conferences, with Springer indexing 23.4% and ACM 17.2%.
How Do Conference Networking Opportunities Enhance Interdisciplinary Research?
Research collaborations often emerge from targeted networking sessions that accompany high-impact conferences. These interactions enable scientists from diverse disciplines to connect, share complementary expertise, and initiate joint research projects that accelerate scientific breakthroughs. In addition, structured networking opportunities such as panel discussions, breakout sessions, and poster presentations provide a platform for exchanging ideas on emerging methodologies and foster long-term academic partnerships. This environment helps researchers to not only enhance their individual research profiles but also to explore advanced academic pathways like online dual graduate degree programs, which can further reinforce collaboration skills and drive interdisciplinary innovation.
How Can Specialized Certifications Enhance Conference Impact?
Professional certifications complement academic prowess by validating practical skills that enrich conference contributions. Attaining these credentials — such as easy certifications for jobs — provides professionals with concrete evidence of technical competency, which can enhance the quality of interactions and collaborations at top-tier conferences. This expertise not only bolsters presentation delivery but also fosters innovative discussions by integrating industry standards with emerging research trends.
What Role Does the Peer Review Process Play in Conference Excellence?
A rigorous peer review process is fundamental in affirming the academic rigor and integrity of conference proceedings. By ensuring that each submission undergoes thorough evaluation by field experts, conferences maintain high standards of research quality and foster innovative discourse. This process not only validates the methodological soundness and originality of presented studies but also reinforces trust within the scientific community. Clear and transparent review protocols are critical for distinguishing high-impact research, ultimately enhancing the credibility of the conference and driving its overall reputation. Institutions that implement strict peer review criteria benefit from elevated research quality, much like the accelerated educational outcomes seen in the best associate degree in 6 months online approach.
Top computer science conferences by country
The COVID-19 pandemic brought on a massive increase in the number of conferences hosted virtually with 21% of all leading conferences being hosted in that format.
The USA remains the most popular country to host leading computer science conferences, with 22.7% of such conferences taking place there in 2020.
Other popular venues that host leading computer science conferences are China (6.3% of all leading conferences), Italy (5%), Spain (3.5%), and the UK (3.3%).
The US also dominates in terms of overall impact in 2020 based on Impact Score of conferences hosted there with 30.5% of the total global impact attributed to this country.
Other impactful conference hosts are China (5.2% of global impact), the UK (4.9%), Canada (4.2%), and Italy (4.2%).
How Does Investment in Advanced Degrees Enhance Conference Value?
Advanced degrees often serve as a catalyst for enhancing conference contributions by equipping researchers with the latest methodologies and critical analytical skills. This advanced expertise not only elevates the quality of presentations but also strengthens networking capabilities and industry collaborations. Such educational investments, exemplified by career-enhancing paths including top paying master's degrees, foster an environment where innovative research is rigorously debated and applied. Consequently, advanced degree holders tend to secure more influential roles both in academic forums and in collaborative projects, thereby amplifying a conference’s overall impact and facilitating tangible career advancement.
Conferences with the highest number of leading scientists
The leading computer science conference in terms of top scientists who published their work there is IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition with publications from 549 top scientists in the last three years. A top scientist is considered to have their h-index >=40.
The average no. of leading scientists publishing overall is 30
The average no. of leading scientists publishing in top 1% conferences is 378
Conferences with the highest number of leading publications
The leading computer science conference in terms of the number of papers published by top scientists is IEEE/CVF Conference on Computer Vision and Pattern Recognition with 2010 publications by top scientists in the last three years. A top scientist is considered to have their h-index >=40.
Average no. of publications overall is 53
Average no. of publications overall in top 1% is 1027
What Role Do Accelerated Degree Programs Play in Enhancing Conference Impact?
Researchers increasingly benefit from educational pathways that shorten the time to gain advanced knowledge while quickly integrating into the research community. Accelerated degree programs provide early exposure to emerging methodologies and strategic insights, which can translate into higher engagement and leadership at top-tier conferences. By combining rigorous academics with a forward-thinking curriculum, such programs empower scholars to address complex research challenges and make meaningful contributions to their fields. This proactive approach supports a dynamic career progression and positions researchers to leverage conference platforms effectively for networking, collaborations, and innovation. For example, exploring opportunities via a fast-track bachelor degree online can accelerate the journey towards establishing a strong research profile.
What Are the Best Practices for Preparing Conference Submissions and Presentations?
Researchers must align their submissions with specific conference themes while ensuring that the research narrative remains original, methodologically robust, and clearly articulated. It is advisable to conduct a thorough review of previous conference proceedings to recognize prevalent trends and identify innovative angles for contribution. Peer feedback and targeted academic writing workshops can further refine abstracts and presentations, ensuring clarity and adherence to high scholarly standards. In addition, supplementing research capabilities with advanced coursework from reputable online colleges can enhance critical thinking and writing skills, providing a strategic advantage in competitive submission processes.
How Can Conference Rankings Propel Your Academic and Career Growth?
Conference rankings not only help in identifying the venues with superior research impact but also serve as a strategic tool for enhancing academic visibility and career opportunities. Researchers can leverage high-ranking conferences to establish collaborations, secure funding, and increase the credibility of their work. Moreover, aligning conference participation with advanced educational programs can further reinforce a scholar’s expertise. For instance, those pursuing specialized technical skills may consider enrolling in an online game programming college to complement their conference engagements and bolster career progression.
AboutResearch.com
All research was coordinated by Imed Bouchrika, Ph.D., a computer scientist with a well-established record of collaboration on a number of international research projects with different partners from the academic community. His role was to make sure all data remained unbiased, accurate, and up-to-date.
Research.com is the number one research portal for science and educational rankings. Our mission is to make it easier for professors, research fellows, and students to progress with their research and find the top experts in a wide range of scientific disciplines. Research.com is also a leading educational platform that helps students find the best colleges, academic opportunities, and career paths.
