Karsten Schwan
Karsten Schwan was a pioneering computer scientist whose work advanced high-performance, distributed, and autonomic computing, as well as the middleware that connects complex systems to real-world use. At the Georgia Institute of Technology, he was a Regents’ Professor and directed the Center for Experimental Research in Computer Systems.
Karsten was also a generous mentor and a committed member of the ICAC community, one of the two conference communities from which ACSOS grew. He served on the ICAC steering committee and helped shape a field built around ambitious systems research, collaboration, and practical impact.
Since 2016, the community’s best paper has carried his name. The Karsten Schwan Best Paper Award began at ICAC and continues at ACSOS, honoring both outstanding research and a legacy grounded in curiosity, mentorship, and service.