CCC2008/ ACM dissertation awards 2007

Two links of interest:

1. Complexity 2008 deadline for early registration is JUNE 1- so sign up NOW!
2. ACM Dissertation Awards What is of interest is that the winner and two of the three runnerups are in THEORY- the winner and one of the runner ups is in Cryptography

Actually the winners are often theorists though this year it is more striking. Are theorists producing the best PhDs in computer science? I would not say that; however, for a theory PhD (and perhaps for theory in general) its easier to tell that something is good work since we have well defined problems that can have well defined solutions. Other areas do indeed produce good work, but it may take time to recognize that.