Frequently asked questions

  • Application:
    • When is the application deadline? July 15th 2009

    • When will I be notified? Normally, before August 15th. But if you need an earlier answer (e.g. in order to obtain visa or financial support), send an email to iram-summerschool2009(at)iram(dot)es clearly stating so.

    • Who is invited to apply for the summer school? Active astronomers, PhD students who have little or no experience in mm-observing, especially from the Herschel network.

    • Is there an age limit? No

    • Who should not apply? Experts in mm-astronomy, persons not active in astronomy.

    • What can I do in order to increase my chances to be accepted for the school? Give as much information as possible about your research interests and whether mm-/submm-observations would be a future option for you.

  • Is there a conference fee? Yes, the fee is 150 Euro. It includes the social events (excursion, conference dinner, coffee breaks) and the transport between Granada, Sierra Nevada, and the telescope. It does not include the hotel accomodation. The conference fee should be paid at the conference in cash.

  • Do I have to organize my hotel/meals? No, all participants will stay at the hotel Kenia in Pradollano. Full board and lodging is 77 Euros per night in double room and single occupancy, and 59 Euro per night in double room and double occupancy. Please indicate your preference when inscribing.

  • Can I get funding? We have limited funding possibilities to support travel and lodging of participants. Please indicate in the registration form whether you wish to apply for such funding.

  • What about health insurance? IRAM has no health insurance for visitors. Either you should have a travel insurance or, if you are in a European social security system, bring the necessary international documents or cards.

  • Transport:
    • How should I arrange my flights? You should arrive in Granada or Malaga on September 4th. We will organize a shuttle bus to pick you up at the Malaga and Granada airport, and at the IRAM Granada residencia, to bring you to the hotel in the Sierra. There will be dinner at about 9pm. Departure from hotel Kenia on Friday 11th, will be at about 11am. More later.

    • Are there buses or trains? TBC

  • Should I bring my laptop? Yes, if you have one, though it is not necessary. If you bring one, it is a good idea to install the IRAM data reduction software GILDAS in advance (Linux (preferred), Mac, Windows). We will set up a WIFI network.

  • Which clothes do you recommend? Pradollano is at 2000m altitude, the telescope at 2850m; September is a transition period between Summer and Fall, so on your travel from Granada to the mountain you could expect any weather conditions from summer conditions to rain (yes, from time to time it is raining in southern spain!). It is yet too early for snow showers, though temperatures may vary between 0 C and 30 C. We also recommend to bring sun glasses, sun lotion, and solid shoes if you plan to have a walk. The hotel has a swimming pool, visitors are allowed to use.