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ICLR27 reviewers favor experiments over theory, frustrating authors

Researchers submitting theoretical papers to ICLR27 are experiencing a review process that prioritizes experimental results over mathematical contributions. Many authors report reviewers focusing on the lack of experiments, even for papers with extensive proofs, and questioning the novelty or relevance of the work. This has led to frustration and uncertainty about whether to engage in the rebuttal process or withdraw submissions, with some suspecting a mismatch between theoretical papers and reviewer expertise. AI

IMPACT Highlights potential biases in academic peer review that could impact the dissemination of theoretical AI research.

RANK_REASON Discussion of the peer-review process for academic papers at a research conference. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=1.0]

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ICLR27 reviewers favor experiments over theory, frustrating authors

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Discussion of the peer-review process for academic papers at a research conference. [lever_c_demoted from research: ic=1 ai=1.0]
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COVERAGE [1]

  1. r/MachineLearning TIER_1 English(EN) · /u/d_edge_sword ·

    ICLR27 math and stats paper review experience [D]

    <!-- SC_OFF --><div class="md"><p>For people who had papers submitted to ICLR that are applied theory style. For example, 60- 70% theory with some experiments at the end. What was your review experience like for ICLR27?</p> <p>We got a score of 222, on the probabilistic methods t…