15th International Workshop on Slow Positron Beam Techniques & Applications (SLOPOS-15)

important dates:

  • Abstract submission deadline May 15, 2019

  • Notification about abstract acceptance May 15, 2019

  • Early bird registation fee deadline May 31, 2019

  • SLOPOS-15 conference September 2-6, 2019

  • Full paper submission deadline extended till
    September 30, 2019

number of registered participants: 135

General information

Prague is the capital of the Czech Republic. It is ideally situated in the middle of the Bohemian basin and it has been the centre of the Czech state since ancient times. The organic connection between its various districts, cultural influences and architectural styles has made the city unique not only at the Czech but also at the European level and gives Prague its essential and peculiar magic. One thing which strikes the visitors about Prague is its depth of culture, art and music. This is the place where Mozart, Kafka, Dvorak and many other writers, musicians and artists found inspiration. And it is also its architecture what makes hundred of thousands tourists coming to Prague every year.
The most striking feature on its skyline is the huge Prague Castle with the St. Vitus Cathedral, the largest complex of castle buildings in Europe. The Lesser Town (Mala Strana) which was originally a settlement at the foot of the castle is today an area of splendid baroque palaces, gardens and churches. The stone Charles Bridge built in middle of the 14th century by the emperor Charles IV. connects the Lesser Town with the Old Town (Stare Mesto). Adjoining Josefov quarter hides the most remarkable Jewish monuments in Europe such as the Old Cemetery and the Old New Synagogue.
Prague is the site of the oldest University in Central Europe. Charles University was founded in 1348 by Charles IV and its original building - Carolinum is still used for ceremonial events. There are many other sights worth seeing as well as a lot of small pubs, restaurants and clubs where you can enjoy the special atmosphere of Prague.

Get in

Prague can be reached easily by plane, train or car from all major European cities.
  • By plane The Vaclav Havel Prague Airport is situated in Ruzyne 12 km from the city center.
    • You may check an instructive video how to get from the airport to the Prague downtown easily using public transport.
    The following buses can be used to get from the airport to the Prague metro:
    • Bus #119 to Nadrazi Veleslavin - Metro Line A (17 minute ride). Departures every 3-10 minutes from 4:23-23:44. This bus is recommended if your destination is anywhere near the center.
    • Bus #100 to Zlicin - Metro Line B (18 minute ride). Departures every 10-20 minutes from 5:41-23:36, usually less crowded than #119.
    • Bus #191 to Petriny - Metro Line A (24 minute ride) and metro B Andel (48 minute ride). Departures every 20-40 minutes from 4:57-23:31.
    • Night Bus #910 going via Arbesovo namesti (36 minute ride) and I. P. Pavlova (42 minute ride). Departures from the airport every 30 minutes from 23:52-3:56, every 20 minutes on Friday and Saturday night.
    • Airport Express Bus (Bus AE), operated by Czech Railways, departs from Terminal 1 every 10-30 minutes from 05:30 to 21:00. It costs 44 CZK if bought online or 60 CZK if paid to the driver. The bus doesn't make any stops on its way and terminates at the main train station (Hlavni Nadrazi)
      Taxis cost 400-800 CZK from the airport to the city center. AAA Taxi and Fix Taxi have exclusive contracts with Prague airport. When you buy your voucher from the taxi stand, you will get a coupon for 20% off of the cost of your trip back to the airport.
  • By train Prague is very well connected with the rest of the European rail network, and trains run daily between Prague and most major European cities. All railway stations in Prague are connected to the Metro (Underground). International trains arrive at Praha hlavni nadrazi (the central station, abbreviated to Praha hl.n.) which has a direct connection with Metro Line C. See a video how to get from the main railway station to the center of Prague .

Transport inside Prague

Prague has fast and efficient public transport network. Three kinds of public transport can be used: Metro (Underground), trams, buses. Info on the schedules and routes can be obtained here.
  • Metro The Prague Metro network consists of 3 lines designated by letters (A,B,C) and differentiated in colour (green, yellow, red).
    Metro operates daily from 5:00 to 24:00. The time interval between trains is approximately 2-3 minutes during the workday rush hours and about 10 minutes during the off-peak hours.
  • Trams The usual daytime operation of trams is from 4:30 to 24:00. The time interval between trams is approximately 5-10 minutes during the workday rush hours and 15-20 minutes during the off-peak hours. Night time operation is from 24:00 to 4:30. Tram schedules are located at individual stops.
  • Buses The daytime and night time operation of buses is similar to tram operation. Bus schedules are located at individual stops.
  • Travelling by city transport is only possible with a valid ticket. Passengers have to obtain their tickets before boarding the vehicle or entering the Metro system (in buses, the tickets can also been purchased at the driver).
    There are the same tickets for trams, buses and Metro and can be purchased at all Metro stations, selected newsstands, travel bureau, etc. Single tickets can also be purchased from the slot machines located at each Metro station. One transfer ticket costs either 24 CZK (valid 30 minutes after stamping) or 32 CZK (valid 90 minutes after stamping). You can also buy a 90-minute ticket from the bus driver (only cash), but it costs 40 CZK. A 24 hrs. ticket costs 110 CZK, a 72 hrs. ticket 310 CZK. More information about fares in Prague can be found here.
    You can transfer between the buses, metro, and tram for no additional charge as long as your ticket has not expired. Remember to validate your ticket as soon as you get on the bus by sticking it into a yellow machine with green glowing arrow and keep validated ticket with you during whole journey since you can be inspected. A fine of 800 CZK applies if you are caught without a ticket.

Weather

Prague is situated in Central Europe that has a mild and continental climate. The weather is usually very nice in September. The average daytime temperatures are usually around 20oC.

Currency

The official currency is the Czech Crown (CZK). An approximate exchange rate is 1 USD = 22.8 CZK, 1 EUR = 25.5 CZK (July 2019). At arrival, it is possible to exchange currency at the airport before leaving the baggage drop area, but you will get much better rates in the city. In Prague, especially around tourist sights, there are plenty of Exchange offices with very bad rates which also charge commission. Be sure to always ask the employee how much money you would get before you give them your money. It is better to exchange money in banks than in small exchange offices around tourist sights. The best place to exchange money is at eXchange office located in the centre of the city is in Kaprova Street 14/13 (Metro line A, station Staromestska). The office is open till 20:00. See an instructive video where to change money in Prague . Another option is to use regular ATMs which are located at the most of Metro stations.
Credit cards (Visa or Mastercard) are widely accepted at all supermarkets, hotels and also in most tourist places.

Passport and visa

All participants entering the Czech Republic must have a valid passport. No visa is required from the citizens of most European countries. Other participants are advised to consult the nearest consular office of the Czech Republic. The organizing committee can send you an invitation letter if it is required for getting visa. If you need invitation letter please register and check the option invitation letter in the registration form.

Safety

Prague is very safe city in all its parts. The most common crimes in Prague are by far pick pocketing. Hence, it is recommended to keep an eye on your valuables.