New Faculty SymposiumICSE 2026

Becoming a new faculty member at a university or college is challenging due to the number of roles a faculty member plays and the limited preparation typically offered for these roles. Few new faculty are prepared for the diversity of work they will be asked to undertake, ranging from sustaining a productive research agenda and mentoring students to securing funding, collaborating with industry, and balancing professional and personal responsibilities. Moreover, doctoral training often focuses primarily on conducting research and, to a lesser extent, teaching topics close to one’s research area, leaving many aspects of academic life underexplored.

The goals of the ICSE 2026 New Faculty Symposium (NFS) are to help new Software Engineering faculty members launch a successful academic career, navigate these multifaceted challenges, and foster a sense of fulfillment and sustainability in their professional lives. The symposium addresses key dimensions of early faculty life, including writing productivity (e.g., papers and proposals), working with students (teaching, curriculum development, recruiting, and mentoring), research funding and industry–academia collaboration, and strategies for work–life balance, visibility, and professional networking.

Building on the successful formula of prior symposia, the NFS connects prospective and junior faculty with experienced mentors, offering opportunities for informal interaction and structured discussions. The 2026 edition introduces a more interactive format, adopting fishbowl-style panels to foster open dialogue and active audience participation. It also aims to broaden the range of perspectives represented, with increased participation from panelists across different regions, including the Global South. Through these exchanges, participants can reflect on challenges, share experiences, and learn practical strategies from peers and senior colleagues.

Panels