Joining Instructions

The information provided below, as well as on the website, is designed to help you prepare for the SynSci26. Please review all details carefully. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. A member of our team will respond as soon as possible.

Travel

For guidance on travelling to Glasgow and navigating the city once you arrive, please visit the travel section on the website. You can also find useful information on parking, taxis etc, via the SEC website.

Venue

SynSci26 will take place at the Scottish Exhibition Campus (SEC). Please note that additional activities will be hosted at separate venues across the city.

For a list of on-site services at the SEC, please visit their website at www.sec.co.uk/visitor-information/on-site-services

Security

Upon arrival at the SEC, all attendees will be required to undergo bag checks conducted by the security team. These checks are generally quick, taking only a few minutes; however, during peak times, delays may occur. To ensure a smooth and timely entry, please allow sufficient time for security screening when planning your arrival.

Site Plan

Floor plan

The rooms for each session are noted in the agenda via the event website.

Download a floor plan of the venue via the SEC website.

Conference Programme

The latest version of the conference programme is available for download via the conference website. We recommend checking the website regularly for updates, as the schedule may be subject to change.

Please note that as part of our sustainability efforts, we will not be providing a printed copy of the programme.

Public Programme

For more on the public lecture, visit our website.

Press Releases & Research Updates

If you have any new research results or are planning to issue press releases in connection with the conference, please let us know in advance. This will allow us to support your communications efforts and ensure visibility across the appropriate channels.

Registration

To ensure a smooth start, all participants are kindly requested to check in at the Registration Desk in Hall 1 on their first day and to collect a conference badge. Badges must be worn at all times while on-site.

The registration desk will be managed by Claire Garland and Viv Thomas from the Institute of Physics (IOP), and will be staffed during the following hours:

Sunday 12 July	15:30 - 19:30
Monday 13 July	08:15 - 18:00
Tuesday 14 July	08:15 - 18:00
Wednesday 15 July	08:15 - 17:30
Thursday 16 July	08:30 - 12:30

Catering

Refreshments are included in the registration fee and will be served at designated times throughout the programme in Halls 1 and 2.

Additional Dining Options

For more food and drink choices on-site, please visit the Scottish Event Campus (SEC) dining guide here:
www.sec.co.uk/visitor-information/eating-at-the-sec

If you're looking to explore beyond the venue, a curated list of local restaurants, cafés, and bars around Glasgow is available on our website: https://iop.eventsair.com/synsci26/around-glasgow

Hydration Stations

To help you stay refreshed throughout the conference, drinking fountains are located throughout the SEC, along with water coolers available in Halls 1 and 2.

For hygiene reasons, we kindly ask that participants do not refill personal water bottles directly from these sources. Instead, compostable cups will be provided for your convenience.

Social Programme

Sunday 12 July - Welcome Reception at the SEC in Halls 1 and 2
Monday 13 September - Reception at at the SEC in Halls 1 and 2
Tuesday 14 September - Civic Reception at City Chambers
Wednesday 15 September - Networking Dinner at the Glasgow Science Centre

Sensory / Quiet Room

We understand that conferences can sometimes feel mentally and emotionally demanding. If you need a moment to recharge, reflect, or simply enjoy a peaceful break, the mezzanine is available as a dedicated quiet space. To maintain a calm and restorative environment for all, we kindly ask that mobile phones are not used in this room.

Prayer and reflection Room

We acknowledge and respect the diverse spiritual and personal practices within our community. The mezzanine has been designated as a quiet space for prayer, meditation, and reflection. This space is open to all participants who wish to use it in a way that supports their wellbeing and beliefs.

To help maintain a peaceful atmosphere, we kindly ask that mobile phones and electronic devices are switched off or silenced while in the room.

Therapy Dog Sessions – Wednesday

We’re thrilled to welcome some very special guests to the conference on Wednesday: a team of Therapy Dogs, on-site to help you relax and recharge during your day.

Each session lasts 15 minutes and offers a perfect pause to unwind. If you'd like to book a slot, simply visit the registration desk to reserve your place.

WiFi

Complimentary WiFi is available throughout the SEC.

Cloakroom

As cloakroom facilities are only available on Monday and Thursday, delegates attending on other days are kindly asked to leave suitcases and large items of luggage at their hotel or accommodation. Please note that, as storage facilities are unavailable, these items cannot be brought into the conference venue.

Opening Times:

Monday: 08:00 - 19:30
Thursday: 08:00 - 13:00

Please ensure that no items are left unattended outside the cloakroom. Unattended bags or clothing will be removed by venue security in accordance with safety protocols.

Weather

Please be aware that Scottish weather can be unpredictable, with a mix of sunshine and showers often in the forecast. We recommend that all participants bring a light jacket and an umbrella to stay comfortable during any outdoor travel between venues. To view the weather forecast, please visit the BBC Weather website: Glasgow - BBC Weather

Dress Code

There is no formal dress code for the event—participants are welcome to wear whatever they feel most comfortable in.

Please note that Glasgow's terrain is quite hilly, so we encourage participants to wear sensible footwear to ensure comfort while navigating between venues.

For those attending the conference dinner, we are pleased to offer a Ceilidh, a traditional scottish dance, so comfortable shoes are essential to fully enjoy the dancing and festivities!

Exhibition

Visit the exhibition in Halls 1 and 2 to meet and connect with representatives in the field. Whether you're looking to explore new opportunities, build partnerships, or simply learn more about what they do, there's something for everyone.

Take advantage of this unique chance to expand your network and discover exciting initiatives across the field. Visit the website at https://iop.eventsair.com/synsci26/exhibitors to see who is exhibiting and what's on offer.

Join the IOP

While you're in Glasgow, be sure to visit the IOP membership stand to meet Matthew, Tony and Solange. Whether you have questions or simply want to say hello, they’ll be happy to chat.

Discover how you can become a member and learn about a special conference-only membership offer (T&Cs apply). Don’t miss out on this chance to connect.

Key IOP member benefits include:

Physics World magazine
IOPscience (with 45 journals included)
Being a part of community of over 20,000 physicists
Networking within our Special Interest Groups, Nations and Branches
Discounted prices to attend IOP conferences
Support grants and funds (subject to eligibility)

Code of Conduct

The Code of Conduct outlines the expected behavior that the IOP requires all attendees to uphold. Our events are designed to be open and inclusive, ensuring that everyone feels comfortable, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or background. For more information on the Code of Conduct, please refer to the website here. If, during the event, you have any concerns that the Code of Conduct is not being followed, please speak with a member of the team on the registration desk.

First Aid

The SEC Centre features a fully stocked First Aid Centre on the east end of the concourse. First Aid facilities are also available in the SEC Armadillo.

Fire

If you discover a fire:

Break the glass on the nearest manual call point, normally located by exit doors
Advise others in the vicinity to leave the area

Please be aware that when a fire system detection device is activated, the Security team will respond IMMEDIATELY even if you do not hear an audible alarm.Should it be necessary to evacuate, a message will be broadcast across the campus. As soon as the instruction to evacuate the venue is heard, you must leave the premises by the nearest available exit. Follow the directions from G4S or SEC team members to your designated assembly point.

Fire Evacuation and Assembly Points

Smoke Free Venue

In Scotland there is a law which prevents smoking in enclosed spaces. The following policy has been developed to protect all employees, service users, customers, and visitors from exposure to second-hand smoke and to assist compliance with the Smoking, Health, and Social Care (Scotland) Act 2005.

Smoking is prohibited throughout the entire Campus with no exceptions. This includes company vehicles. This applies to all employees, consultants, contractors, customers, or visitors.

Those who demonstrate noncompliance will be with the smoking law and Campus rules will be charged a penalty fine. As the venue is under the control of the Principal Contractor/ Organiser/ Production Company these parties will be liable for any noncompliance SEC will not be liable for breaches in legislation.