Established in 2002, the BU Computer Science Research Excellence Award (REA) is presented annually to the PhD student or students who have produced outstanding research results over the course of their studies in the department. To be considered for this award, BU/CS PhD students must first be nominated by their advisor. The winners are then recommended by a faculty REA selection committee and approved by the entire BU/CS faculty.

The following are commendations by the REA selection committee for distinguished winners from past academic years.