19th Society and Materials (SAM) International Conference
Venue
SAM 19 will be hosted by University of Alcalá and will take place in the Economics Faculty in the historic buildings of one of the oldest Universities in Spain right in the heart of Alcalá de Henares, UN World Heritage Site with medieval flair, a vibrant city centre and pleasant mediterranean climate, only 30 km east of Madrid.
The University of Alcalá was founded in 1293 as Studium Generale and is especially renowned in the Spanish-speaking world for its presentation of the highly prestigious Cervantes price, which is awarded annually by the King and Queen of Spain in the elegant sixteenth-century Paraninfo (Great Hall).
University of Alcalá
Alcalá de Henares is situated 30 km east of Madrid capital and easily accessible by rail and airplane via Madrid Atocha international train station and Madrid airport. Dating back to Roman times (first mentioned as settlement ‘’Complutum’), the city centre has an essentially medieval architecture, with winding cobbled streets and many historic buildings. As the native city of Miguel de Cervantes,
Alcalá has a long university tradition, and the University is an essential part of Alcalá’s historic heritage. Re-founded as a ‘modern’ University in 1499 by Francisco Jiménez de Cisneros it is the third oldest University in Spain, and its monumentality was one of the key elements for Alcalá de Henares to become an UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1998.
A guided tour to the historic campus is part of the conference program.
How to get there
Alcalá de Henares is accessible by air or railway via from Madrid Barajas international airport or Atocha train station.
By air (from Madrid Adolfo Suarez international Airport):
- Bus 824 – leaves from Terminal 2 directly to Alcalá de Henares. Get off at ‘Vía Complutense-Colegio’ (~50 min, 20 stops). From Terminal 4, you need to take the shuttle to get to T2 (T1 and T3 is right beside)
- Commuter train (‘Cercanías’) – Line C10 from Terminal 4 to Madrid Atocha train station, and from there Line C2/C4 to Alcalá de Henares / Guadalajara (~1:10).
- Metro and bus – Metro Line 8 to Avenida de America (~30 min), and interurban bus 223/229/227 to Alcalá de Henares. Get off at ‘Ronda Fiscal-Las Moreras’ (223/229) or ‘Glorieta del Chorillo’ (227) ~40 min bus ride, 10/13 stops). See map below for bus stops.
- Taxi (around 80€)
By train (from Madrid Atocha International train station):
- Commuter train (Cercanías) – Line C2/C4 to Alcalá de Henares / Guadalajara (~0:40).
- Taxi (around 100€)
For the commuter trains (Cercanías), you need to acquire a rechargeable travel card (“Renfe y tú”) for 0.50€
Below a map of the city with the most important landmarks
Where to stay
Alcalá de Henares features a limited number of hotels, so we recommend booking your accommodation early. We have a contingent of rooms reserved in certain hotels until March or April, depending on the establishment.
We recommend booking your stay in Alcalá (and not in Madrid), at least for the days of the conference, since commuting during peak hour might be stressful. If you want to stay in Madrid nevertheless, choose a place close to Atocha rail station and commute by train, this is the most comfortable option (though it is a bit of a walk from the train station).
Evenia Alcalá Boutique Hotel (***)
Evenia is a charming small hotel with modern rooms set in a beautifully restored 16th-century building. With its cozy atmosphere and excellent location just ~150 m from the conference venue, it offers a unique blend of comfort and historic charm.
A limited number of rooms have been reserved for conference participants until April. Prices: ~85€/93€ per night (single/double room), including breakfast.
To book, please write to alcala@eveniahotels.com, mentioning the conference name and providing your arrival and departure dates, as well as your preference for a single or double room. Alternatively, you can call (+34) 91 883 02 95 for reservations or inquiries.
Hotel El Bedel (***)
Hotel El Bedel is ideally located in the heart of Alcalá de Henares, offering a comfortable stay with modern amenities and a warm atmosphere. The hotel is close to the University of Alcalá, the historic building, and the Conference venue (~850 m).
A limited number of rooms have been reserved for conference participants until March. Prices: ~80€/90€ per night (single/double room). 12€ per person for breakfast.
To book, please write to reservas@hotelelbedel.com, mentioning the conference name and specifying your arrival and departure dates, as well as whether you require double occupancy. Alternatively, you can call (+34) 91 888 67 26 for reservations or inquiries.
Hotel PCM Forum Alcalá (****)
With modern and contemporary decor and spacious interiors, PCM Forum Alcalá offers a unique setting just 10 minutes from the Conference venue (~700 m).
A limited number of rooms have been reserved for conference participants until March. Prices: ~92€/106€ per night (single/double room), including breakfast.
To book, please write to forumalcala@pcmhoteles.com, mentioning the conference name and providing your arrival and departure dates, as well as your preference for a single or double room. Alternatively, you can call (+34) 91 291 85 00 for reservations or inquiries.
Residencia San Ildefonso
Rooms on the historic Campus within the University. Basic rooms (it is a University residence), but with special atmosphere right in the historic building. We have a limited contingent that we assign on a first come first serve basis. ~45€/50€ per night (single/double room) including breakfast.
Please write to jens.peters@uah.es for booking a room, indicating day of arrival and leave, and whether you need a double room. We have a limited contingent that we assign on a first come first serve basis.