CONSIDERING TO ATTEND?
1. What is the Young Algaeneers Symposium (YAS)?
The YAS is a symposium made BY and FOR young people working in the micro- or macroalgae sectors, from both academia and industry. In addition to listening to our experts' talks, Young Algaeneers will also have the opportunity to present their work, brainstorm together during our workshops and, thanks to the Innovation Competition, win prizes for their innovative ideas.
2. Who is a Young Algaeneer?By “young” we mean people within the first 5 years in the algae domain. There is no age limit, only experience!
3. Can I still participate if I am not a Young Algaeneer?If you are not a Young Algaeneer anymore, you can still participate, but preference will be given to the Young Algaeneers. Senior Algaeneers are encouraged to consider participating as mentors, but please get in touch with us for special requests, since we prioritize Young Algaeneers.
4. Is there any scholarship to participate in YAS?There are 3 scholarships available for overseas students, i.e. outside of Europe (continent and islands). Scholarships will be awarded covering registration fees and hotel stay according to YAS affiliations.
5. Is accommodation included in the fee?Accommodation is not included in the registration fee. The registration fee only includes the event (including coffee breaks, lunches and eventual transportation).
6. Do you suggest any accommodation? Do you have a promotion code for the accommodation?Yes, we recommend the University Residence Civitas, which you can book directly on their website, Hotel Torreluz and Hotel CostaSol. If you’re interested in Hotel CostaSol and would like to receive a small discount code, please submit this form.7. Could you provide an invitation letter for Visa application?
Invitation letters for visa purposes should be requested at [email protected].
8. How is the refund procedure?Refunds must be requested by email at [email protected] until 30th of April 2025.
9. Is YAS2025 a hybrid event?No, YAS2025 will happen only in-person.
10. What are the fees to participate.
Young Algaeneer Ticket:
- 235€ until 14th of February 2025 (early bird)
- 265€ from 15th of February 2025
- Welcome dinner (June 3rd): 25€
Senior Ticket:
Seniors are welcome to attend YAS, with the option to choose either daily or full-day tickets. Please note that availability is limited, so secure your spot early!
BEFORE THE EVENT
11. Can I pay by invoice?
Yes, in order to register and pay by invoice, please get in contact to [email protected].
12. Where to find the abstract template for oral or poster presentations?
The abstract instructions can be found here - https://yas.eaba-association.org/en/abstract-submission/
13. Can you send me the poster guidelines?
The poster guidelines can be found in the link of the previous question. Feel free to get creative and design your poster your way, just stick to these basic rules.
14. Is it possible to print my poster at Almeria?
Eventually, but it is at your own arrangement.
15. Is it possible for YAS participants to buy an extra dinner ticket for non-YAS participants?
If someone is accompanying you to the event, you can request a ticket for the YAS dinner in the registration form, maximum one.
16. Is there anything else I need to do after registration and abstract submission?
After registering, please make sure to pay the invoice as soon as possible to confirm your registration. Only paying participants will be considered. Submit your abstract/s by the deadline and get ready to join YAS :)
17. How do I know if my participation is confirmed?
Upon reception of the payment, your registration is confirmed via email. If you need a formal acceptance letter, please request one at [email protected].
18. Can I register and submit my abstract later?
Yes, once you register you receive a link through the confirmation email where you edit your details and add the abstract. For oral presentations, update your abstract before 4th of April. For posters, you have until 18th of April.
19. Is it possible to bring two posters for one registration?
No. Due to limited space and for equality in the voting process, only one poster per participant is allowed.
ABOUT THE PROGRAMME
20. How will we reach the local Algae companies?
On the visit days, a bus will be organized for participants to reach the location, with no extra charge. We will provide you with the necessary details closer to the event.
21. How is YAS25 different from the previous editions?
In this YAS edition the spotlight will be on microalgae as Almería is a major hub of microalgae valorization for agriculture in conjunction with greenhouse farming. But seaweed experts will also be invited to balance the program and for micro- and macroalgae people to share ideas and inspiration. Next to expert senior talks, we will have talks from Young Algaeneers and poster sessions. Also, we are bringing back our working-groups from YAS23 and the Innovation competition from YAS24, to foster the exchange of ideas and out-of-the-box thinking!
22. Is it compulsory to send an abstract or bring a poster?
No. YAS is first and foremost a networking event for Young Algaeneers.
23. Do you have an oral presentation part for participants?
Yes, we call it Young Algaeneer Talks :) Please note that due to time limitation, there is a limited number of oral presentations. Abstracts for participants applying for the young algaeneer talks will be subjected to evaluation by an external group of selected experts. In addition to this, participants can also pitch their out-of-the-box ideas in the Innovation Competition. Visit the dedicated page to learn more.
24. Do we have working groups on YAS25?
Yes! In YAS25, we are bringing the working groups back. Guided by a mentor you will have the opportunity to engage in a topic of your choice and together with your peers, discuss possible solutions to the challenges/problems and pitch them at the end of the conference.
25. Do we need to decide between Aqualia and Biorizon Site Visits?
No, you’ll have the opportunity to visit both company facilities.
26. Can I attend a Workshop and visit the Sabana Demo-Plant?
No, you will have to decide whether to attend one workshop or visit the Demo-plant facility.
27. Can I use the same abstract for the Innovation Competition and for the pitch?
The same abstract cannot be used for both activities, as this would lead to redundancy in the program. Additionally, the Innovation Competition is specifically focused on business ideas, so abstracts should align with that theme. Participants are encouraged to tailor their submissions to meet the unique criteria of each activity.
28. Can I change working groups?
Once working groups are assigned, it is preferable not to make changes in order to maintain organization and ensure a smooth flow of the event. However, changes may be considered in very specific circumstances. Participants are encouraged to stay in their assigned group unless there are exceptional reasons to request a switch.
29. Are working groups mandatory?
No, participation in the Working Groups is optional. However, we strongly encourage you to join, as this is a cornerstone activity of YAS. Please note that no other sessions or events will run in parallel to the Working Group sessions, ensuring that all participants can fully engage in this collaborative experience.
30. Can participants that win overseas scholarships apply for Young Algaeneer Talks and the Innovation Competition?
Yes, overseas students that won the scholarship are eligible to participate in both activities.
ABOUT THE VENUE
31. How do I get to Almeria?
- Nearest Airport:
Almeria Airport (LEI): This is the closest airport, located about 10 km (6 miles) east of Almeria's city center. It offers domestic flights and some international connections, mainly within Europe. Once you arrive, you can reach the city center by bus or taxi, typically in 15-20 minutes.
- Nearest Major Airport:
Malaga-Costa del Sol Airport (AGP): If you need a larger international airport, Malaga is around 200 km (125 miles) from Almeria and has a wide range of flight options. From Malaga, you can continue to Almeria by bus, car, or train. - Bus Services:
Intercity Buses (ALSA): For a more direct route than the train, ALSA buses provide frequent and reliable service from major cities like Malaga and Granada to Almeria. Buses are often faster than train connections and run frequently. - BlaBlaCar (Carpooling):
BlaBlaCar is a popular carpooling app in Spain that lets you find shared rides with drivers already heading to Almeria or nearby areas. - Train Option:
Almeria Railway Station: Located in the city center, Almeria’s train station connects to major Spanish cities like Madrid and Granada, though some routes may require transfers. Note that Spain’s high-speed AVE network doesn’t yet extend directly to Almeria.
32. Will there be free Wi-Fi at the venue?
Yes (eduroam network).
AFTER THE EVENT
33. Can I join the organizing Team for the next YAS?
The organizing team changes each year due to the incoming and outgoing of Young Algaeneers. You can be part of the organizing team by expressing your interest to the current organization team during or after the symposium, or by contacting us at: [email protected]. Note that there is a selection process before being accepted to the team.
34. How do I get a participation certificate?
You will receive a certificate after the event. If after 2 weeks you have not received it yet, please request one at [email protected].
35. How can I give feedback for the event?
After the event, we will provide a survey for you to evaluate YAS25. However, feel free to write us a suggestion to: [email protected]