Practical Information
Attending ESSIR 2027
Everything you need to plan your participation in A Coruña, from registration and fees to travel logistics and local tips.
Registration
Registration for ESSIR 2027 will open in early 2027. The school is open to doctoral students, postdoctoral researchers, and industry professionals working in Information Retrieval and related fields. Places are limited to ensure a high-quality, interactive learning experience.
Registration Fees
Registration fees include access to all lectures and workshops, coffee breaks, a welcome reception, and one social dinner. Accommodation is booked and paid separately.
ECTS Credits
Participants who attend at least 80% of scheduled sessions and submit a brief reflective report may be eligible for up to 3 ECTS credits. Arrangements for credit recognition must be made with your home institution. We provide attendance certificates upon request.
Scam Alert: ESSIR 2027 will never contact participants asking for payment through unofficial channels, wire transfers, or third-party booking services you did not initiate. All legitimate communications will come from @essir2027.org addresses. If you receive suspicious messages regarding accommodation or registration, do not respond and report them to info@essir2027.org.
Accommodation
A Coruña offers a range of accommodation options within easy reach of the Universidade da Coruña campus. We recommend booking early, particularly during the summer months when the city is popular with visitors.
Recommended Options
University Residence
Residencia Universitaria
On-campus residence halls with single rooms. Ideal for participants seeking an affordable, convenient option close to lecture venues. Limited availability — details and booking instructions will be shared on registration.
Hotel (Budget–Mid)
City Centre Hotels
Several 2–3 star hotels within walking distance of the old town and a short bus or taxi ride from campus. We will publish a recommended shortlist with negotiated rates closer to the event.
Hotel (Superior)
Seafront & Old Town Hotels
A Coruña's seafront and old quarter host several highly rated hotels. These fill up quickly in summer. Contact details and negotiated conference rates will be listed in the attendee information pack.
A group accommodation block may be reserved at the university residence. Priority will be given to first-registered doctoral students with demonstrated financial need.
Travel & Visa
Getting to A Coruña
A Coruña is well connected to major European cities. The main options for arrival are:
- By Air: A Coruña Airport (LCG) receives flights from Madrid (Iberia, Air Europa, Vueling) and select European cities. Larger international connections are available via Santiago de Compostela Airport (SCQ, ~65 km), which offers flights from many European hubs. Transfer to the city takes 20–40 minutes by taxi or bus.
- By Rail: RENFE high-speed (AVE/Alvia) services connect A Coruña with Madrid, Vigo, and other Galician cities. The main station, A Coruña Estación, is in the city centre.
- By Road: The AP-9 motorway connects A Coruña with Santiago de Compostela, Vigo, and Portugal. Intercity coaches operate from Madrid, Porto, and other cities.
Visa Requirements
Spain is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of EU/EEA countries and many other nations do not require a visa for short stays. Citizens of countries that require a Schengen visa should apply well in advance through the Spanish consulate or embassy in their country of residence.
If you require an official invitation letter to support a visa application, please contact us at info@essir2027.org after completing your registration. We will issue letters promptly. Ensure you apply for your visa at least 8 weeks before the school start date.
Important: An invitation letter is provided solely to support your visa application. It does not constitute financial sponsorship. You are responsible for all costs associated with your participation.
Venue
ESSIR 2027 will be hosted at the Universidade da Coruña (UDC), one of the three public universities of Galicia, located in the vibrant city of A Coruña on Spain's Atlantic coast. The main sessions will take place in the Faculty of Computer Science building on the A Elviña campus.
About A Coruña
A Coruña is a coastal city of approximately 250,000 inhabitants, renowned for its mild Atlantic climate, seafood culture, and the ancient Torre de Hércules — the world's oldest working lighthouse and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's historic glassfronted balconied houses (galerías) form one of the most distinctive urban streetscapes in Spain.
July brings warm, pleasantly breezy weather, with average temperatures of 18–23 °C. The city centre, beaches, and old quarter are all within easy reach of the campus.
Campus & Facilities
- Main lecture theatre with capacity for 250 participants
- Seminar rooms for workshop and small-group sessions
- High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the venue
- On-campus cafeteria open during school hours
- Accessible by city bus routes 12 and 23 from the city centre (approx. 15 minutes)
Detailed accessibility information, including step-free access routes and quiet spaces, will be published in the attendee information pack. Please contact us in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.