Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is ISCB?
A: The International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) is the parent organization of the annual conference on Intelligent Systems for Molecular Biology (ISMB). The ISCB is dedicated to advancing the scientific understanding of living systems through computation. The ISCB communicates the significance of our science to the larger scientific community, governments, and the public at large. The ISCB serves a global membership by impacting government and scientific policies, providing high quality publications and meetings, and through distribution of valuable information about training, education, employment and relevant news from related fields. ISCB membership offers many benefits including reduced conference registration fees to several high impact events and reduced subscription prices for a selection of journals of Computational Biology and Bioinformatics. Members are from more than 50 countries and include over 800 students and nearly 500 post doctoral researchers. A member's meeting and a meeting of the Board of Directors for the Society are held annually in conjunction with the ISMB conference.
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Q: Who do I contact for information on the conference?
A: You can get information on the conference from:

Steven Leard
ISMB Conference Manager
Phone: +1-780-414-1663
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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Q: Where will the conference be held?
A: The conference will be held at the Convention Centre Dublin (CCD) and is located at:

Convention Centre Dublin
Spencer Dock,
 North Wall Quay

Dublin 1

Parking details are available at: http://www.theccd.ie/parking

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Q: What are the conference hotels?
A: The ISMB/ECCB organizers through ISCB's official housing partner, onPeak, have reduced hotel rates for your trip. Book through the simple-to-use reservation website or with helpful and friendly booking agents.  Full details available at:
https://www.iscb.org/ismbeccb2015-accommodation

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Q: Who should I contact about childcare?
A: Child care services may be able to be arranged with your hotel. Please contact them in advance to make arrangements.

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Q: Do I need a visa to visit Dublin?

A: Please review the necessary visa application details for visiting Ireland as some attendees may require visa for entry. The Irish government notes on their website that it can take up to 3 months to gain a visa. For complete details on passport and visa requirements for Ireland visit:

http://www.citizensinformation.ie/en/moving_country/moving_to_ireland/coming_to_live_in_ireland/visa_requirements_for_entering_ireland.html

Details on Visa and Entry requirements for the Irish Naturalisation and Immigration Service can be found at: http://www.inis.gov.ie/

ISCB and the ISMB/ECCB 2015 conference organizers assume no responsibility for the accuracy of information on any of the above websites, and encourage you to communicate directly with the Irish Embassy or Consulate office that services your particular needs for entry into Ireland.

Invitation letters required for visa applications will be sent with your confirmation after registration and full payment have been received. You must be registered and paid-in-full for the conference in order to receive an invitation letter. IMPORTANT: If you require a visa for entrance register early, it can take time for your application to be processed - do not delay in submitting your visa application.

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Q: How do I get from the airport to my hotel?
A: Taxi and shuttle bus are available from the Dublin Airport - details for the shuttle are available here.

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Q: What is the name of Duplin's International Airport?
A: Dublin Airport: http://www.dublinairport.com/home.aspx

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Q: What is the local Time Zone?
A: Dublin is in Irish Standard Time (IST) and is UTC/GMT (+1 hour)
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/ireland/dublin

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Q: What is the Electrical Current?
A: The electrical supply in Ireland is 230v 50hz. The plugs and sockets are different from the USA involving a three-pronged formation, the same as those used in the United Kingdom. If your appliances operate on a different current (such as those from North America) you will need a power converter and plug adapter. Some additional details are available at: http://www.visitireland.com/planning/electricity.asp

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Q: What is the International area code?
A: The area code for Ireland is 353 - Information on calling from your country can be found at: www.countrycallingcodes.com
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Q. In what language will the conference sessions and materials be presented?
A. All conference presentations and materials will be presented in English.
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Q: What is the climate?
A: Dublin's  summers are typically warm and humid. It is best to bring a light water repellent or water proof jacket.

In summer (May to July), the averages for highest temperatures are between 18 and 20°C. The warmest months, July and August, get about 18 hours of daylight and it gets dark only after 11pm. Hence the well-worn phrase in Ireland; "sure there's a grand stretch in the evenings".

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Q: Where can I find medical or emergency information?
A: In all cases, except for emergencies, look in the phone book provided in your hotel or with the front desk. In case of an emergency requiring ambulance, fire or police dial 112 or 999.

In Ireland, 999 and 112 exist equally and run in parallel. Regardless of which number you call in Ireland, there will be no difference and the call will be handled in the same manner. The call is free of charge to the caller.

When should I call 112?

It is recommend that you dial 112 (or 999) in urgent, genuine cases of emergency where someone’s life, health, property or the environment is in danger, or if there is any reason to assume this to be the case. For non-emergency calls, consult your local directory service for the emergency service you require. Anyone with information regarding a crime can also ring the Garda Confidential telephone number on 1800 666 111.

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Q: What is the custom on tipping?
A: A gratuity is generally not included in bills (unless added automatically for group dining) - as a general guideline tips are provided for meals, taxi and hotel bellman. The general rule of thumb for tipping is to add 10% - 12% and a Euro a bag for bellman.
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Q: What is the currency?
A: The monetary unit in Ireland is the Euro (€).
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Q: How can I pay to register for ISMB/ECCB?
A: Delegates can pay on line during registration using a Visa, MasterCard or American Express credit card. Delegates wishing to pay using a wire transfer would create an invoice at time of registration and then contract the conference registrar for instructions.
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 Q: Where do I register when I arrive?
A: Conference Registration is available from Thursday, July 9 to Tuesday, July 14 at the Dublin Convention Center, Entrance Lobby.

 

Registration Desk Hours – July 9 – 14

Thursday, July 9 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Friday, July 10   7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 11   7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 12 7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Monday, July 13  7:30 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Tuesday, July 14 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
 

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Q: What should I do if I lose something at the conference venue?
A: A conference lost and found will be located at the information booth located at the Convention Centre Dublin.
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Q: What sightseeing opportunities are available in Dublin?
A: Dublin, capital of the Republic of Ireland, is on Ireland’s east coast at the mouth of the River Liffey. Its medieval buildings include 13th-century Dublin Castle and imposing St. Patrick’s Cathedral, founded in 1191. Temple Bar is a riverside nightlife and cultural quarter, home to the Irish Film Institute. Bustling, largely pedestrianised Grafton Street is the city’s principal shopping area, also famed for its buskers.

Dublin is a wonderful city and has a great deal to see - the following link provides options on the many tourist activities available:
http://www.visitdublin.com/home/