About

About

UArctic Rectors' Forums provide unique opportunities for leaders of the UArctic's Higher Education Institution members to participate in common dialogue and focus on topics of special relevance. 

Principal Sir Ian Diamond photographed below, with Rectors' Forum delegates in August 2017, when Institution leaders, Rectors, Chancellors, Presidents, Provosts, Vice-Rectors, Vice-Chancellors, Vice-Presidents, Vice-Provosts and formal delegates participated in the Aberdeen Rectors’ Forum. Along with experts, specialist advisors and/or support staff including Student Forum delegates.

Aberdeen-UArcticRectorsForum-August2017

Hosted by Aberdeen University, Scotland.  The 11th UArctic Rectors' Forum was held in conjunction with the inaugural UArctic Research Analytics Institute Meeting. Immediately followed by an International Conference: Conversations from the North. 

The Rectors' Forum concluded with a discussion session between the rectors and Student Forum delegates who  presented their own Declaration to the assembled participants.  Available here shortly. 

The Rectors' Forum Declaration highlighted many issues raised during the meetings.  In particular, the main challenges facing universities, research and higher education in the North today. Including the value of partnerships between institutions in the "near North" with those in the Circumpolar North within the UArctic network.

Saint Petersburg State University, Russia, held the 10th UArctic Rectors' Forum in conjunction with the inaugural 2016 UArctic Congress.

UArctic 2016 Congress Declaration The Sustainable Future of the Arctic and Student Forum 2016 Declaration.  

UArctic 2018 Congress  The second UArctic Congress will be held from September 3 to 7, 2018. The Congress takes place in Oulu until the afternoon of Thursday, September 6, and then transfers to Oulu for the evening reception and full science programme on Friday, September 7.

For further details see:

UArctic

"With its geographical location facing both east and west, the University of Aberdeen has unique strengths in northern circumpolar research, in fields ranging from the geosciences and environmental biology to archaeology, anthropology and Scandinavian studies. No other University in the UK currently comes close to being so heavily invested in research in the region, and in none are the prospects for its future development so promising. We are therefore honoured and delighted to be hosting the 2017 UArctic Rectors' Forum and very much look forward to welcoming its distinguished delegates."

Professor Tim Ingold

Contacts

UArctic 2017 Contacts

Professor David Anderson - UArctic Rectors' Forum and Conference Chair
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272772
Fax: +44 (0)1224 272552
Email: david.anderson@abdn.ac.uk

Professor Timothy Ingold - The North Theme Leader
Tel: +44 (0)1224 274350
Fax: +44 (0)1224 272552
Email: tim.ingold@abdn.ac.uk

Jill Barber - The North Theme Administrator
Tel: +44 (0)1224 272166
Fax: +44 (0)1224 272552
Email: jill.barber@abdn.ac.uk

 Map of Old Aberdeen

UArctic

secretariat@uarctic.org

Registration, Fees and Accommodation

Registration and Fees

Advance registration ended on 31 July 2017 for the Rectors' Fourm and Conference. From 1 August, following rates applied.  Please email thenorth@abdn.ac.uk with details of the day(s) you wish to attend. On-site registration will also be available on the days of the Conference. 

If you wish, please email thenorth@abdn.ac.ukwith a copy of your talk or power point presentation, in advance, to enable the Audio Visual team to be prepared for when you will actually give your talk.

Provisional Registration Rates

UArctic Forum Rectors and accompanying specialists or expert advisors, attending Rectors’ Forum only, delegate rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£475

UArctic Forum Rectors and accompanying specialists or expert advisors, attending Rectors’ Forum and Conference, delegate rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£525

Student Forum delegates attending Forum and Conference, package including all meals and accommodation (payment after 31 July 2017)

£625

Conference only delegate rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£250

Conference only student rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£150

Conference only 27 August day rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£95

Conference only 28 August day rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£145

Conference only 29 August day rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£125

Conference only 27 August student day rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£55

Conference only 28 August student day rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£65

Conference only 29 August student day rate per person (payment after 31 July 2017)

£50

Registration Fees

Forum only fees include admission to sessions, welcome pack, all lunches and refreshments during morning and afternoon breaks, a civic reception on 23 August and the Forum evening meal on 24 August. 

Conference only fees include admission to sessions, welcome pack, all lunches and refreshments during morning and afternoon breaks, welcome drinks reception on 27 August and the Conference evening meal and ceilidh on 28 August. 

Image above: Ceilidh, Elphinstone Hall, Aberdeen University 2017 UArctic Rectors Forum, Professor Tim Ingold & Mrs Ingold with delegates dancing to Danse McCabre Aberdeen's All Girl Ceilidh Band

Image above: Ceilidh, Elphinstone Hall, Aberdeen University 2017 UArctic Rectors Forum, Professor Tim Ingold & Mrs Ingold with delegates dancing to Danse McCabre Aberdeen's All Girl Ceilidh Band

Registration fees for the Forum and Conference include all the above. 

Evening meals on 24 and/or 28 August are included in delegate registration fee.  Delegates may bring a companion to the evening meals on 24 and/or 28 August at an additional cost of £35 per evening meal/dinner or an inclusive cost of £50 for both evening meals/dinners. 

Fees detailed above do not include accommodation. Forum and Conference Delegates should book their own accommodation at their desired level of comfort and expense, either independently or through the links detailed on the Accommodation page. 

Student Forum Delegate registration fees includes a complete package. Admission to sessions, welcome pack, all lunches and refreshments during morning and afternoon breaks, a civic reception on 23 August, the Forum evening meal on 24 August and welcome drinks reception on 27 August, plus the Conference evening meal and ceilidh on 28 August. Pre-booked accommodation and other meals throughout.    For evening meals on days when there are no other formal arrangements, student delegates will be provided with vouchers for use in local restaurants. 

Delegates wishing to join the whole-day coach excursion on Saturday 26 August, at an additional cost of £60 per person, should book by emailing thenorth@abdn.ac.uk with your details.

Free Wifi:  Use Aberdeen-city-connect 

You will need to register to access this free service. Simply go to the wifi settings on your device and scan for the Aberdeen-city-connect network. Complete the registration process using Facebook, Twitter or Google Accounts. If you don't use any of these there is a simple form to complete. Once registered your device will pick up the network when you visit any of the locations where Aberdeen-city-connect is available within the city, including the University of Aberdeen buildings (not Halls), Robert Gordon University buildings, Aberdeen Sports Village, and Marischal College. You may need to reconnect your device to Aberdeen-city-connect on a daily basis.  Of course, you may already have a connection to an existing eduroam institution. 

Audio Visual staff will also be on hand to assist with wifi connection

Cancellations 

All cancellation requests must be submitted, in writing via email, to thenorth@abdn.ac.uk. Cancellation requests by telephone will not be accepted. Written requests for refunds will be processed as follows:

  • Received before 7 April 2017, a full refund less £50.00.
  • Received before 5 July 2017, a 50% refund.
  • Received on or after 5 July 2017, no refund.
  • Refunds will be issued approximately 3-5 weeks after the Conference ends.
  • Please contact us if you need assistance or have questions about your registration, at thenorth@abdn.ac.uk. 

Terms and Conditions

By registering you accept our terms and conditions.

Passport and Visa

Participants are strongly advised to determine which requirements apply to them with respect to entering the UK. For information please consult your nearest Embassy or travel agent. 

Invitation letters for visa purposes can only be sent to participants who have completed the registration process. Should you require an invitation letter to the Forum and/or the Conference for visa purposes, please email thenorth@abdn.ac.uk stating the following: 

  • full name as it appears on your passport
  • date of birth
  • place of birth
  • passport number
  • passport issue date
  • passport expiry date

Participation

Upon registering, please indicate whether you are attending the Forum and/or the Conference, and whether you wish to join the excursion on 26 August.

During the Rectors' Forum some meetings will not be open to all registered participants, as they are by invitation only. Only members of UArctic’s governing bodies (Board, Council and Rectors’ Forum) can attend those meetings that are by "invitation only".

Registration confirmation

After submitting your registration, a confirmation e-mail will be sent to you. If you do not receive a confirmation e-mail within a few days, please email thenorth@abdn.ac.uk.

Accommodation

Please note that accommodation in Aberdeen is in high demand all year round.  Therefore, advanced booking is recommended to ensure availability and a reasonable rate.  If you have booked accommodation and don't arrive for the first night of your stay, your hotel room can be re-sold.  Unless you contact the hotel to confirm you are still intending to stay for subsequent nights.

A range of accommodation options is available in Aberdeen for delegates at a reduced conference rate ranging from GBP £45.00 to £149.00 per person, per night.

Hotel Accommodation

You can view a range of hotel accommodation, check availability and book via our dedicated booking site. Please note accommodation will be held until approximate four weeks prior to the conference - thereafter unsold bookings will be released and there is no guarantee that rooms will be available at the conference rates.

University Student Accommodation

University of Aberdeen student accommodation is located at the Hillhead Student Village. This will be available on a first come, first served basis. Accommodation is 2 star standard and a range of en-suite and standard rooms (shared bathroom facilities) are available. Rooms are light with pleasing views of the surrounding grounds.  Registration for this university accommodation can be accessed via a dedicated booking site. Please email thenorth@abdn.ac.uk detailing your requirements, if you experience difficulty booking.

Guest House Accommodation

There are several guest houses in/around Aberdeen with limited availability, offering bed and breakfast from GBP £83.00 to £124.00.

Aberdeen City Information

Arrival and Local Travel

Aberdeen Dyce Airport is approximately 30 minutes from the town centre and well connected with the main airports of Europe and the UK. Information on getting to and from the airport.

For train routes, timetables and prices please visit the National Railwebsite. If you are arriving at Aberdeen Train Station, you may wish to take a taxi to your accommodation.

Taxis can be ordered from:

  • Rainbow/Bucksburn Taxis      01224 878787
  • Comcabs                              01224 353535
  • Central Taxis                        01224 898989

It might be worthwhile checking with your hotel because some hotels offer a shuttle bus service to and from the airport for free, or for a fee.

TAXIS - Taxis are available from outside the front of the terminal of Aberdeen Airport from the airport taxi operator, Comcab. Turn left for the taxi rank where a taxi marshaller will assist. Pre-booked Comcab taxis are arranged by the Comcab booking office accessed by turning right from the main entrance. All taxi fares are metered. Many vehicles are fitted with Chip & PIN payment terminals (a transaction charge applies).  In light traffic a journey to the city centre takes about 25 minutes and costs about £15.  Fares and journey times will be greater when traffic is heavy. Please refer to the Approximate Charges board within the taxi shelter for more information. 

For further taxi information, please contact ComCab Tel: +44 (0)1224 353 535 Tel: +44 (0)1224 775 555 (dedicated airport line) Fax: +44 (0)1224 794 446 Email: supervisor@comcab-aberdeen.co.uk Website: comcab-aberdeen.co.uk

BUSES - A bus journey to the centre of Aberdeen takes about 30 minutes in average traffic, longer at peak times.  Buses to Aberdeen and local services stop directly outside Aberdeen Airport. The bus stop is signposted from Aberdeen Airport terminal.

Jet Service 727 would be the best bus service from Aberdeen Airport terminal, direct to Aberdeen Union Square bus station as it departs from right outside the terminal building from a dedicated shelter on your right as you exit the terminal. It has leather seats, free wi-fi and USB charging available onboard. You can also track this bus to find out exactly when it will arrive using the free Stagecoach app available from the App Store and Google Play.  The service runs on a 10 minute frequency throughout the day Monday - Friday and up to every 20 minutes at the weekend. Running 7 days a week the service starts at 03:30 Monday - Saturday and 05:00 on Sunday. The last bus leaves the airport at 00:00 from Monday to Saturday, and 23:00 on Sundays. Fares: Jet 727 dayrider: £3.00 (valid for unlimited travel on service 727 all day)  Aberdeen zone 1: £3.20 single, £4.80 period return. Find out more information on the Jet Service including timetables.

TRAINS - Nearest rail station - Dyce, about ten minutes away from the airport by bus or taxi (single train ticket costs GBP Sterling £2.20 one way) too far to walk.  Book train tickets in advance and save on average 43% by clicking the Trainline link. 

Aberdeen City Centre to Old Aberdeen Campus By Local Bus 

The number 20, from Littlejohn Street, next to Marischal College, links the city centre with the main Old Aberdeen campus, and the Hillhead Halls of Residence. The number 19, from Broad Street, opposite Marischal College, passes to the west of the University along Bedford Road. From Union Street, the city's main thoroughfare, the numbers 1 and 2 travel east along King Street and pass the University. Alight just after the King's playing fields on your left. First Aberdeen buses require exact fare, so have 10p and 5p coins ready. Additional payment options can be found on the First Aberdeen Tickets web page and night service information can be found here.

Nearest Stops to Old Aberdeen Campus (map of the Campus)

  • Old Aberdeen (bus no. 20)
  • Bedford Road (bus no. 19)
  • King Street (bus no. 1 and 2)

There is also the Stagecoach Buchan link service from the Adelphi stop on the western end of Union Street. This goes up King Street past the University.

Free Wifi

Use Aberdeen-city-connect  

You will need to register to access this free service.

Simply go to the wifi settings on your device and scan for the Aberdeen-city-connect network. Complete the registration process using Facebook, Twitter or Google Accounts. If you don't use any of these there is a simple form to complete. Once registered your device will pick up the network when you visit any of the locations where Aberdeen-city-connect is available within the city, including the University of Aberdeen buildings (not Halls), Robert Gordon University buildings, Aberdeen Sports Village, and Marischal College. You may need to reconnect your device to Aberdeen-city-connect on a daily basis.

Of course, you may already have a connection to an existing eduroam institution. Audio Visual staff will also be on hand to assist with wifi connection.

Old Aberdeen

Old Aberdeen's architectural 'gems' showcased in new app 

Old Aberdeen is often seen as the city's hidden gem but now its highlights will be brought to life through a new app developed by the University of Aberdeen.

Aberdeen City

Aberdeen is Scotland’s third largest city and Europe’s energy capital - a place with historic charm, a thriving economy and cosmopolitan community of some 220,000 people.

It is rich in history from its maritime past of boat building and fishing industries, nowadays modernised with the growth of the Oil and Gas industries. From the Art Galleries, Museums, Theatres and shopping venues, you will find something to suit everyone in this diverse multi-national City.

A coastline of spectacular beaches and dunes stretch north of the city, while to the west lies nearby Royal Deeside, home to some of the most beautiful countryside in Scotland and the eastern gateway to the mountainous Cairngorms National Park.

Aberdeen caters for all cultural, leisure and entertainment tastes

and regularly attract national and international artists and companies. The city also boasts three cinema multiplexes, a Maritime Museum and first-class sports facilities.

Footdee and Aberdeen Beach – Footdee (pronounced ‘Fittee’) is a charming former fishing village located at the mouth of Aberdeen’s harbour.  Watch the ships go in and out of the harbour and, if you’re lucky, spot some dolphins.  Footdee is also located at the south end of Aberdeen Beach.

For other ideas, visit: http://www.visitaberdeen.com

Aberdeen is the educational centre for the north-east. The University of Aberdeen has been at the forefront of teaching and learning since 1495. Committed to excellence it is the 'global university of the north'.

Weather

Scotland's position on the edge of the European continent with sea on three sides means that the weather is very varied! In August the weather is normally dry and sunny, but it can be unpredictable.

The average high temperature is 17ºC, with the average low temperature being 11ºC.  For more information please visit the Metoffice or the BBC Weather forecast.

Currency and Banks

The official currency of UK is £ sterling. Commonly accepted credit cards are Visa, and Mastercard. Display signs are usually visible in all restaurants and shops indicating which cards they accept.

Travellers' cheques can be cashed at most banks. Most banks are closed on Saturdays and all day Sunday. There are foreign exchange booths at all major airports and in Aberdeen city centre. There is an ATM on campus, located on Elphinstone Road. There is a full range of Banks in Aberdeen city centre.

Extending your Visit

If you are keen to stay longer either in the local area, or visiting the rest of Scotland, you can find information at: