This week Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC) played host to the European Conference on Information Retrieval (ECIR), welcoming delegates from across Europe to the five day event.
Brought to the city by the Robert Gordon University (RGU) in conjunction with the Aberdeen Ambassador Network, the conference returned to Aberdeen for the first time since 1997, helped by subvention funding from VisitAberdeenshire and match-funded by VisitScotland’s Conference Bid Fund.
ECIR is Europe’s premier forum for the presentation of new research in the field of Information Retrieval, providing a supportive network where young researchers present, discuss and debate their unpublished and innovative research. The conference featured keynote sessions from academic and industry professionals, along with workshops, tutorials and industry days.
Julie Dixon, conference organiser from CPD Services at the University of Aberdeen said: “Bringing the ECIR event to Aberdeen has given us a great opportunity to work with RGU and showcase the city to an international audience, with great local support including a civic reception hosted by the Lord Provost at the city’s Town House. The feedback from delegates has been excellent; particularly in relation to AECC, Aberdeen City, hotels and facilities. It’s always a pleasure working with the Aberdeen Ambassador Network to attract conferences to the city, looking for ways to enhance and extend the delegate’s experience and give a true, hospitable Scottish welcome.”
Next month delegates will again head to Aberdeen for the Society of Radiological Protection (SRP) three day conference from May 16 - 18, as leading experts take to the stage to present and debate topics including the aspects of radiation in medicine, nuclear power, education and research. This UK event is another to benefit from subvention funding from VisitAberdeenshire, match-funded by VisitScotland.
"We are delighted that AECC will be hosting our 2017 conference.” said SRP President, Professor Peter Cole of the University of Liverpool. “Over 220 delegates are expected. There will be an associated exhibition by at least 30 suppliers of equipment and services to the profession. Importantly, a record number of entrants will compete for our UK Young Professionals Award, offering a cash prize and a chance to speak at the next European radiation protection congress in The Hague in 2018. We are looking forward to a great week in Aberdeen.”
Relevant to all industry sectors from nuclear sites to education, SRP conference delegates will be encouraged to think the unthinkable; focusing on incident response and remediation plus how to avoid incidents occurring. The event will provide opportunities for assessing the profile and development of issues to create a platform to circulate policy and guidance advice.
Steven Daun, associations sales manager for AECC commented: “Having two significant international associations choose AECC to host their annual conferences, with both being awarded subvention funding, is great for the Aberdeen region. We have a diverse calendar of conferences taking place at the venue this year showcasing the research work which takes place within the city. We have enjoyed working with the organisers and hope to welcome them back to the city in future years.”