Venue

University of Aberdeen

Founded in 1495, the University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest university in the UK. The University’s King’s College campus in Old Aberdeen blends historic buildings with modern facilities, providing an ideal environment for learning, research, and sharing knowledge. 

Address

University of Aberdeen
King's College Conference Centre
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX

Information

  • Main Conference Registration Check-In & Help Desk - located in the King's College Centre -James MacKay Hall (number 29 on the map)
  • Keynotes - located in the King's College Centre - Main Auditorium (number 29 on the map)
  • Parallel Sessions -  located in the Main Auditorium & Carnegie Room, located within Elphinstone Hall (number 29 on the map)
  • Lunches/Coffee Breaks - located in Elphinstone Hall (number 26 on the map)
  • Posters/ Exhibitors - located in Elphinstone Hall (number 26 on the map)

The campus is a short bus ride or 30-minute walk from Aberdeen city centre, where you can find museums, theatres, a wonderful art gallery, and a wide range of pubs and restaurants. Aberdeen beach is also within walking distance of the campus, and nearby Seaton Park is accessed via The Chanonry, past the historic St Machar Cathedral. 

Click to read the Access Guide for the Old Aberdeen Campus


King's College Centre 

SINAPSE ASM 2025 will be held in the most notable of the University’s conference and event facilities, the King’s College Conference Centre, providing the perfect combination of modern facilities within historic surroundings. 

King's College Centre is number 29 on the Campus Map.

The Conference Centre is housed in the former University Library, constructed in 1870, the entrance to which is directly in line with King's College's main entrance arch. The building ceased to be used as a library in the early 1980s and was converted into the Conference Centre in 1991.


King's Auditorium

At the heart of the Conference Centre is King's Auditorium and the James MacKay Hall, boasting impressive barrel-vaulted ceilings. As well as conferences, the Auditorium is used for public lectures and debates, and for the University’s Senate meetings. It was used for the temporary sitting of the Scottish Parliament for a period in 2002 before the opening of the new Scottish Parliament building in Edinburgh. The Auditorium and James MacKay Hall will provide a stunning focal point for SINAPSE ASM 2025.

Click to read the Accessibility Information


Elphinstone Hall

Another of the buildings that will be used for SINAPSE ASM is the beautiful Elphinstone Hall, which is located by King's Lawn opposite the High Street. Designed and built in 1930 by A. Marshall Mackenzie, it is one of the University's most recognisable buildings.

This is where the Posters, Exhibitors, and Lunches/Refreshments will be held during the SINAPSE ASM. 

Elphinstone Hall is number 26 on the Campus Map

Much of the sandstone used in the building's construction was repurposed from Castle Newe in Strathdon, demolished in 1927. The Hall benefits from a high volume of natural light, which accentuates the hammer-beam roof and oak-panelled walls. This, combined with some of the oldest oil canvas paintings in Scotland, creates a truly unique backdrop. 

Delegates can enjoy the fresh air and mingle under the cloisters and admire the view of King’s Chapel, surrounded by luscious green grass and ancient trees. 

The building's construction, along with the removal of a large 19th Century professorial manse, saw the creation of King's Lawn as an appealing quadrangle at the heart of the University between King's College Chapel, Elphinstone Hall, New Kings, and the High Street.

Click to read Accessibility Information