Social Programme

Photograph courtesy of
Kelham Island Museum

The City of Sheffield has a rich industrial history and was a key player in the Industrial Revolution of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Sheffield is known as the ‘Steel City’ and 2013 marks 100 years since Stainless Steel was discovered by Harry Brearley, in Sheffield. This development not only revolutionized the modern world, but shaped Sheffield into the city as we know it today.

Photograph courtesy of
Sheffield City Council

Sheffield is also known for its cutlery industry, and although much of the steel-based manufacturing has now moved, the city’s heritage in advanced engineering and metallurgy continues via initiatives such as the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (in collaboration with Boeing) and the Nuclear Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre.

A third of the City of Sheffield lies within the Peak District National Park, the world’s second most visited National Park (the most visited is Mount Fuji in Japan). There are more than 200 parks, woodlands and gardens in the City, and an estimated 2.5 million trees. This gives Sheffield the highest ratio of trees to people of any city in Europe!

Sunday, 18 August
Welcome Reception

It is expected that everyone will be arriving at the Edge Conference Centre on the afternoon of Sunday 18th August. You will be welcomed by an expert team of conference professionals who will ensure that everything runs smoothly. Once settled into your accommodation, you will have time to wander around the landscaped gardens that look out over the piazza before returning to the Edge for dinner. The Conference Centre is set within a cluster of beautiful walkways and greenery which are deal for sitting and relaxing during breaks. There will be a Drinks Reception and the Edge Bar will be open for after dinner drinks.

Monday, 19 August
Millennium Gallery

Photograph courtesy of
Sheffield City Council

In celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of Stainless Steel, there will be a reception at the Millennium Gallery in the Centre of Sheffield on the evening of Monday, 19th August. Coaches will take you into the City Centre and you will have open access to the impressive Avenue and the Arundel Room, with fantastic views over Sheffield from the floor-to-ceiling windows, for drinks and catering. There is also an additional terrace area for delegates to use; there will also be access to The Craft Gallery.

A hot fork buffet with drinks will be provided. Coaches will take you back to the conference venue afterwards. Alternatively, you can stay in the City and make your own way back by taxi later.

Tuesday, 20 August
Kelham Island Museum

Photograph courtesy of
Kelham Island Museum

In recognition of Sheffield’s history, the Conference Dinner will be replaced by a visit to one of the City’s outstanding heritage sites – Kelham Island Museum - on the evening of Tuesday 20th August. Coaches will take delegates and accompanying persons from the Conference Centre to one of three entrances into the museum, where you will be greeted by an evening reception comprising a hot food buffet and drinks. You will be free to look around the museum at your leisure. For beer lovers, the award-winning Kelham Island Brewery will be supplying barrels of their award-winning ales for your delectation (de•lec•ta•tion – pleasure and delight).

On two occasions during the evening, the most powerful working steam engine remaining in Europe, the River Don Engine, will be ‘steamed up’. This is a truly impressive sight, the like of which will not be seen elsewhere. You will also have the opportunity to visit Rustless - The Harry Brearley Story, an exhibition which celebrates the 100th Anniversary of the discovery of stainless steel in Sheffield.

There will be around 3 hours in the museum and will therefore have plenty of time to catch up with old friends and make new ones before the coaches take you back to the Edge Conference Centre.

Wednesday, 21 August
BBQ, Prize Giving and Invitation to China 2015

Poster and Presentation Prizes will be awarded during the BBQ at the Edge Conference Centre on the evening of Wednesday 21st August (provisions have been made for bad weather!!). Professor Tangchun Wu will formally invite you to attend the VII International Congress of Stress Proteins in Biology and Medicine which will be held in China. This will be followed by an opportunity to mingle and continue discussions in the Edge Bar and surrounding gardens. You will also be able to enjoy live music from a local band.

Post-Congress Opportunities

The Congress formally concludes after lunch on Thursday 22nd August. However, for those of you that would like to stay longer, it will be possible to stay in the Congress Venue accommodation on the Thursday night. Alternatively, you could move into one of the many hotels either in Sheffield or in the wonderful Peak District National Park which is a short distance away.

Photograph courtesy of
Sheffield City Council

The Conference Team can provide information on local attractions and amenities to those that are planning to extend their stay – just let us know and we can help you out! In the meantime, you could check out the Top 10 Things To See In And Around Sheffield.