FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) for SKAO Science Meeting 2025 attendees, for both in-person and online participants

IN-PERSON ATTENDEES 

🕗 When is check-in? 
  • Early registration: Sun 15 June, 16:00–19:00 at the Parkhotel, Görlitz
  • Registration: Mon 16 June, 08:30–09:20 (event starts 09:30 sharp)
🎤 I'm a presenter—what should I do? 
 

Please ensure: 

  • You've reviewed the [presentation guidelines].
  • You upload your slides/poster before the deadline.
  • Reach out to skaosci2025@skao.int for questions. 
🚍 How do I get between venues? 
 

Most venues are walkable. Shuttle services will be provided for events further afield, such as: 

  • Dom Kultury (Poland): Welcome reception (16 June)
  • Kuhlhaus: Social dinner (18 June) 
🪪 Do I need my ID/passport for any events? 
 		Yes – for the welcome reception in Poland (Dom Kultury), you’ll need your passport to cross the border. But it is generally advisable to keep your ID/passport with you at all times during your trip.
☎️ Data roamingFor your information, your mobile phone may pick up signals from either Germany or Poland whilst in Görlitz, dependant on where you are located. Please be aware this may affect the cost/allowances, based on your mobile provision.
📸 Will there be photos or filming? 
 		Yes. If you don’t want to be photographed or filmed, or don’t want your name/affiliation shared, speak with the comms team on-site. 
🪧 What about the AfD protest on Monday? 
 

A peaceful AfD demonstration is scheduled Monday 16 June, 18:15–19:00, near the venue.  Attendees should: 

  • Avoid Elisabethstrasse during that time
  • Keep your event badge visible in public
  • Use shuttle buses from 18:00
  • Contact Catherine Gresty (+44 7840 714332) if concerned 

 IN-PERSON ATTENDEES 

🔗 How do I access the sessions?All links are available through the Oxford Abstracts platform (you must be logged in). Sessions are hosted on Zoom.
🌍 What time zone is the event in?All times are in Central European Summer Time (CEST, UTC+2).
📺 Will session recordings be available?Yes. Most sessions will be available for replay after each day where possible.
🧪 What if I’m presenting online?

Please: 

  • Review presentation guidelines
  • Upload materials by the deadline
  • Confirm your session time and format
  • Contact skaosci2025@skao.int with questions 

SOCIAL EVENTS & WELLNESS 

🍽 What social events are planned? 
  • Mon 16 June: Welcome reception at Dom Kultury, 19:00–20:30
  • Wed 18 June: Free afternoon with tours + social dinner at Kuhlhaus, 19:00–22:30
  • Thurs 19 June: ECR Lunch at Jugendherberge, 12:30–14:00 (fully booked)
  • Thurs 19 June: Gatsby Immersive Theatre, 19:30 (Tickets: €35, book in advance)
  • Fri 20 June: Informal farewell at Jakobs, 19:00 onward (pay your own way) 
🏃‍♀️ Are there any fitness activities?

Yes! 

  • 5K run: Wed 18 June, 06:30 from outside the theatre
  • StepUp Challenge: Track your steps all week! Join the app: StepUp App Group
  • Parkrun: Sat 21 June in Zgorzelec
  • Europamarathon: Sun 15 June 

PRACTICAL INFO 

🌿 What sustainability measures are in place?

Please support us by: 

  • Using reusable water bottles
  • Walking between venues
  • Reducing plastic use and recycling
  • Eating local and healthy food options 
🤒 What if I feel unwell (e.g., COVID-19 symptoms)?

If you develop symptoms: 

  • Self-isolate immediately
  • Contact the organisers for help with remote participation or local medical support 
🚨Emergency numbers

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBER 112
FIRE DEPARTMENT 112
POLICE 110

Click here for a list of local doctors

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS? 

Contact us at skaosci2025@skao.int 

🔗 Or post in the #helpdesk channel on the Slack workspace A New Era in Astrophysics 

 
Last modified on 13 June 2025