ICPS is a conference for physics students, run by physics students. It is held once a year (usually in mid-August) in a different city as chosen by the International Association of Physics Students (IAPS) and lasts for one week. The objective of the conference is to bring physics students from across the world together in a forum in which to exchange ideas and experiences from within the scientific community as well as to share and celebrate the cultural diversity that the field of science enjoys. The conference fee includes accommodation, breakfast, lunch and most evening meals as well as participation in the academic and social programmes and places on the various conference excursions and tours. This year we are expecting approximately 450 participants (both undergraduate and graduate) from over 30 different countries.

Usual activities on ICPS include:

• delegate lectures lasting 20 minutes
• poster sessions
• guest lectures
• excursions to places of scientific, cultural or historical interest
• a guided tour of Split
• IAPS Annual General Meeting and workshops
• parties, including the welcome, farewell and national parties; at the national party, delegates are encouraged to share examples of their national food, drink and entertainment.
  
  
  

Here are some things we think you should know concerning this year’s conference.

• FESB - Faculty of Engineering, Electric Engineering and Naval Engineering
  All of the scientific programme, student lectures and poster sessions as well as the invited speakers’ lectures, are hosted by FESB. The FESB’s reputation has been contributed by numerous presentations of research results obtained by professors and students, both at home and abroad. These research results have been published in scientific and professional journals, or have been reported at international scientific and professional conferences. The Faculty often organises home and international conferences, seminars and public lectures, and during the summer it organises the physics school for secondary school students. These activities, as well as a successful cooperation with economic organizations, have contributed to the Faculty’s reputation. A number of FESB professors have become renowned in industry, both for their teaching and research work.
  
  
• Accommodation
  Accommodation for ICPS2009 participants will be located at "Učenički dom Split" which is only 5 minutes away from FESB on foot and which provides all the meals during the conference. It is a recently renovated nine storey building with an elevator and parking. All rooms have three beds and there are two (M/F) restrooms and showers on every floor. There are also several hostel-type chillout rooms with TVs. A wireless internet connection is available from the nearby faculties.
  
  
• Lectures and posters
  Students from all over the world, members of IAPS, are invited to give a lecture or present a poster. The topic may be the research they are currently doing or something they just happen to find interesting from the world of science.This year we have 99 student lectures and 57 posters. Lectures should be up to 15 minutes long, with additional 5 minutes for questions and discussion. Posters will be presented in two poster sessions on Sunday, 16th August. All participants are encouraged to vote for the best poster and best oral presentations. The winners will receive valuable prizes.
  
  
• Round table
  The round table topic is the physics studies in Europe. Chair of the round table is prof. Hendrik Ferdinande, head of the EUPEN (European Physics Education Network). Several rectors and vice-rectors of Croatian universities and deans of several institutions are expected to speak at the round table. We encourage all participants to take this opportunity to state the problems they’ve stumbled upon in high-school or university physics educaton and share their opinion on what changes are necessary. Some of the conclusions of the round table are expected to impact the shape of physics education in Croatia and Europe in the near future.
  
  
• City tour
  We will take the participants on a special tour of Split during which they will see some of the oldest and best preserved archaeological sites in Croatia. There will be enough free time for individual sightseeing and exploration. The details of the city tour and a map will be provided separately.
  
  
• Parties
  Every evening there will be a theme party of some sort in the dormitory. Some of the more traditional ICPS parties include: the Croatian evening (during which you will learn something about Croatian history and culture and have an opportunity to taste some of Croatian cuisine), the National party (where the participants are encouraged to bring and present a bit of their home) and the costume party (this is self-explanatory).
  
  
• Excursions
  There is much to see in Croatia, so we’ve chosen a few places near Split that we believe are worth visiting: Zadar, Šibenik, Makarska, river Cetina and small historical towns around Split.

• Conference timetable
• Lecture timetable
• Poster board allocations

This passage should help you decide how to reach Split. Should you encounter any problems or have further questions, feel free to contact us on icps2009@fizika.org. In addition to the text below, we have put together a Google Map with all the information, which can be reached by clicking here.

Split is one of Croatia's main travel nodes, and can be reached by plane, car, bus, train and ferry. (assuming, of course, you don't want to use a bike or go on foot). Whatever kind of mass-transportation you use, you will reach the Split harbour. The main bus and railway stations are there as well. We will have an information desk at the harbour, where ICPS2009 volunteers will be ready to help you and answer any questions you may have. From the harbour you can reach the dormitory (where the registration desk will be located) on foot, by taxi, or by bus; for more details refer to the Google map.

• By plane
  This is probably the most efficient and the most comfortable way to travel to Split. For a list of airline operators and timetables, check the website of the Split airport. Since the airport is several kilometers outside of Split, you will need to take the bus, which will again take you to the harbour. The "Pleso prijevoz" bus leaves from the airport and brings you directly to the harbour (timetables can be found here). The fare takes 25 minutes and costs 30 kn (about 5 €).
  
  
• By train
  Trains to Split usually go through Zagreb, so it is most likely you will have to switch trains there. Our national railway company is "HZ" (Hrvatske Zeljeznice), and their website and timetables can be found here. For international railway connections, we suggest using websites such as www.bahn.de or http://www.b-rail.be.
  
  
• By bus
  Split is well connected by bus lines to Croatian and some other european cities, especially during the summer tourist season. The "Bus station Split" website with the timetable can be found here. If you are travelling through Zagreb, you should also check the Zagreb bus terminal website.
  
  
• By ferry
  Split is also directly connected to Ancona (Italy) on a daily basis, and the timetables can be found here.
  
  
  
  

Check out these Frequently Asked Questions we thought you might want to ask, so we tried to answer some of them.

• What is Split like?
  Split is one of the oldest cities in Croatia, former home to emperor Diocletian (his palace is one of Split's top sights, be sure to visit it). Today, it is a nodal point for tourist and business travel to Dalmatia by all means of transportation. During summer it is very lively place with restaruants, nightlife, excursions and much more. Check out the Google map we provided to find all information on restaurants, clubs, sights and more. For all information on events and sightseeing, visit the website of the Split Tourist Board and, of course, Wikipedia.
  
  
• How can I reach Split?
  For all means of transportation to Croatia, and to its major cities, see section "How to get here?" on this page. Please keep checking the timetables on various websites mentioned in that section, as they may change.
  
  
• How do I find the dormitory?
  Assuming you’ve read the "How to get here?" section on this page, and that you are arriving in Split by bus, train or plane, you will end up in the Split Harbour. From there, walk north for approx. 5 minutes to the "Stari Pazar" square. There you can take bus lines No. 11, 15 or 18 to the dormitory. The bus station will be marked with posters. For timetables and stations, see page 9. If you arrive by car or bike, please check the included streetmap: the address of the dormitory is Matice Hrvatske 13.
  
  
• I paid the conference fee. What does it include?
  It includes accommodation, all meals, conference materials and the city tour.
  
  
• Where do we sleep?
  All participants will be accommodated at the student dormitory "Učenički dom Split". It is located within 5 minutes of our conference venue, FESB (address: Matice Hrvatske 13).
  
  
• What's the accomodation like?
  There are only triple bedrooms available. The rooms will be assigned upon your arrival, and you will also be able to arrange your roommates preferences. There are two shower rooms and lavatories on each floor. Also, there are several kitchens you can use for the national party. Wireless internet is available in a part of the dormitory.
  
  
• Where do we eat?
  All meals are provided at the dormitory. Two lunches will be replaced by lunch packets during the excursion and city tour. During the National Party evening, after dinner, you are expected to show the best of your country’s cuisine.
  
  
• What is the recommended presentation format? What about posters?
  You can have your presentation in .ppt or .pdf format. Just be sure to bring your presentation on a CD/DVD or USB memory stick and copy it onto our computer as soon as possible after you arrive. Posters can be up to A0 in size and should should be put
  up on panels by the end of Tuesday 11th August and will be displayed during both poster sessions. Participants are expected to be at their poster in the session they’ve been assigned to.
  
  
• How do I travel from the accommodation to the FESB?
  Walk around 1 minute to the east, along the "Matice Hrvatske" street.
  
  
• Can I pay for everyday stuff in Euros/Dollars? What about credit cards?
  No, only kunas are accepted in stores, but there are exchange bureaus everywhere. Choose the ones that charge "0% commission". Most major credit cards are accepted: MasterCard, Visa, American Express, Diners Club...
  
  
• What's the weather like in Split in August? What should I wear?
  Summer in Split... it should be very hot, with temperatures above 35°C, so you should have a lot of light clothes with you, UV-shielded sunglasses and a hat. Also, remember to drink a lot, preferrably water :) However, if there's a summer shower or thunderstorm, temperature could fall below 15°C for a short period of time, so be prepared for that, too.
  
  
• What's there to do in Split?
  You can go a bit out of town to the beach, visit some of its restaurants, clubs and cafes, or enjoy an evening in theater and one of many summer culture events. Please check the Google map for details and recommended locations.
  
  
• What should I do if I want to travel around Croatia?
  Please ask us if you need any assistance or advice. We will try to point you in the right direction.
  
  
• What about the National party?
  You should bring food and drinks characteristic for your country or city. You don’t have to bring all fresh vegetables and bread, as you will be able to buy most of that in Split. Bring the food that you know you won’t find anywhere else except in your country. Please, inform us in advance of all kitchen appliances you might need. There are several kitchens at your disposal, but practice has shown that you should focus more on snack food, with the least possible cooking. Also, we encourage you to prepare your own music/dance/performance for the party. Help us make this year’s National Party a party to remember :)
  
  
• What's this Surprise Party?
  We have many ideas on how to keep you occupied the whole evening/night... Best things come to those who are patient :)

• Population (April 2001): Croatia - 4,437,460; Split County - 463,676; Split: 188,694
• Territory: Croatia‘s land territory takes up 56,542 km2. It borders with Hungary, Slovenia, Serbia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina and there is a seaborder with Italy.
• Dalmatian coast: The coast is the main tourist attraction for good reason - the crystal clear waters are one of the most beautiful on the planet and were just named one of its most pure!
• Islands: An amazing 1,246 islands lie off the Dalmatian coast, 47 of them are inhabited.
• Climate: Mediterranean - this means the summer is very hot, but occasional rainshowers or thunderstorms may appear.
• Local time: Croatia is part of the Central European Time Zone (GMT+1). When it is 12:00 in Split, it is 12:00 in Berlin, 11:00 in London, 06:00 in New York, 14:00 in Moscow, and 21:00 in Sydney.
• Calling phones: To call an international number using a landline, dial 00, then the country code, and then the local number, omitting the leading 0. If you are using your cellphone to call a number in Split, dial +385 21 xxxxxx, where xxxxxx is the local number. To call the Croatian mobile networks, simply replace 21 with 91, 92, 95 or 98, depending on the network.
• Currency: kuna (Croatian kuna, kn or HRK) and 1/100 of a kuna is called lipa. Croatia is not in the Euro zone, so you cannot pay in euros. Dollars, pounds, etc. are not accepted as well. However, there are numerous exchange offices throughout the city. Choose the ones that don’t charge any comission and do not exchange all of your money at the airport, since the exchange rate is better in the city. Currently the exchange rate to euro fluctuates around 7.3, which means that for 100 € you can get approximately 730 kn. For up-to-date information check here (HRK is 1 kn)
• Power supply: AC 220V 50Hz, so you might need an adaptor.
• Taxi: Taking a taxi in Split is quite expensive. A ride across town costs around 70 kn (10 €), initial price is 20 kn (around 3 €). To order a taxi, call 970 from local landline, or +38521970 from your own network.
• Public transport: There are many daytime bus lines and one night line through the city. Check this link for more details. Lines 15 and 18 connect the dormitory and FESB with the city centre and their timetables are listed in the Survival guide. For all the important bus stops, check the Google map online or the map on pages 19/20 in the Guide. An individual one-way ticket you can buy on any kiosk costs 10 kn (around 1.5 €), and a two way ticket costs 16 kn. You can also buy blocks of 10 two-way tickets for 150 kn. These prices are valid for travel on all lines in zone 1, which is probably all you will need during ICPS.
• Security: You shouldn’t fear of being attacked or mugged in the streets in Croatia. But, as always, exercise caution: never leave your belongings unattended, avoid trouble and report anything suspicious to us. We will deal with it. You can find some important telephone numbers in the Survival Guide, just in case you need them. Always keep your documents with you.
• Health: We recommend taking traveler’s health insurance with you. There is an emergency station within walking distance from the dormitory, for all emergency cases. Regarding the recent outbreak of swine-flu: there were several cases in Croatia, but there is plenty of medicine in Split's hospitals so you should be safe. Report any symptoms you find suspicious. People allergic to various sorts of food should ask about the food they receive everywhere.
• Smoking: Smoking is, as of this year, prohibited in all closed public spaces. This means that you are allowed to smoke only in designated areas of some cafes and clubs. The penalties are high, so watch out. Smoking is also prohibited in the dormitory and FESB.
• Alcohol: Alcoholic drinks are, of course, not prohibited, but their abuse in public place will be reported to the police. Have fun, but behave responsibly.