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Are you a registered participant of ICAS 2026? IT: https://www.bolognaconventionbureau.it/bologna-congress-card-per-icas-2026 EN: https://www.bolognaconventionbureau.it/en/bologna-congress-card-for-icas-2026/ |
DISTAL, University of Bologna
About the Venue
The Department has two main locations, one in Bologna and one in Cesena, but it also carries out both teaching and research activities in Ozzano, Cadriano, Imola and Tebano. The Department is the largest in the University of Bologna with around 500 employees, both temporary and permanent. It is organised into divisions that coordinate the main research activities, within which multidisciplinary groups operate across all typical sectors of the agricultural field.
It boasts a strong research activity, with over fifteen million euros in annual income from research projects, and it participates in 96 projects funded by the European Union, coordinating 11 of them. DISTAL is a Department of Excellence for the 2023-2027 period, recognized by the Italian Ministry of University and Research, reaffirming the achievement previously obtained for 2018-2022. The Department has significantly contributed to the high ranking of the University of Bologna in the QS World University Ranking 2025: the University of Bologna ranks 1st in Italy and 54th in the world in the "Agriculture & Forestry" discipline.
Conference Location
Travel
Bologna is a historic and well-connected city in northern Italy, offering easy access by plane, train, or car. Below is detailed guidance to ensure a smooth journey to your destination.
How to Reach Bologna
• By plane: Bologna’s main airport is Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ), located approximately 6 km northwest of the city center. As one of Italy’s key regional airports, it offers frequent connections to major European capitals and hubs, as well as selected intercontinental destinations.
• By train: Bologna is one of Italy’s main railway hubs, strategically located on the country’s north–south and east–west rail corridors. From Bologna Centrale railway station, you can easily reach the historic city center on foot or connect to regional, national, and international destinations. High-speed trains operated by Trenitalia (Frecciarossa) and Italo connect Bologna with major Italian cities such as Milan, Florence, Rome, and Venice, often in under two hours. Bologna also offers convenient international rail connections. Direct EuroCity trains link the city with Munich, Innsbruck, and Zurich, while additional connections via Milan or Verona provide access to destinations such as Vienna and Paris.
Airport Transfers
• By shuttle train: The fastest and most popular connection is the Marconi Express monorail, linking the airport directly with Bologna Centrale (the main train station) in about 7 minutes. Trains run every 7–15 minutes daily from early morning until around midnight. A one‑way ticket costs about €12.80 (return around €23.30). From Bologna Centrale you can easily reach major landmarks and other transport links.
• By shuttle bus: Bologna Airport is also served by Bus Line Q (TPER), offering convenient connections to the city. During the day, the shuttle runs between the airport and Ospedale Maggiore, while at night it connects the airport Bologna Centrale. The fare is €2.30, and all urban tickets, including monthly and annual passes, are valid on this line, making it an easy and affordable option for reaching key points in Bologna at any hour.
• By taxi or ride-sharing: Taxis are available outside the arrivals area. A trip to the city centre takes about 15–25 minutes and typically costs €30 – €40 depending on traffic and time of day. Ride‑hailing services may offer similar options.
Reaching the Conference Venue
• By bus: Line 35 runs directly from Ospedale Maggiore and Bologna Centrale (the main train station) to the conference venue. Standard urban bus tickets in Bologna cost €2.30 when bought before boarding or with a contactless card/app and are valid for about 75 minutes across multiple bus lines. You can also buy a ticket onboard for €2.50 if paying with cash. Please find more information here.
• By taxi: Taxis and ride-sharing services (Uber, Bolt, or local ride-sharing apps) offer a convenient door-to-door option from the city center to the conference venue. The journey typically takes 20–35 minutes, depending on traffic, and fares are approximately €20–€30 for a standard taxi, with ride-sharing services offering similar or slightly lower rates.
Accommodation
We are delighted to announce that the following hotel will offer a discounted price for all ICAS 2026 attendees:
Hotel |
Description |
How to book? |
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The Grand Hotel Majestic “già Baglioni”, the only prestigious 5-star luxury hotel in Bologna and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World since 1990, is housed in a historic and distinguished palace dating back to the 18th century. It offers elegant rooms and suites with fine fabrics, original paintings, marble, and mosaics, combined with impeccable service, modern technology, and an aristocratic atmosphere.
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To complete your booking and receive a 25% discount, please email the hotel directly at
*Discount valid for stays between 20–23/24 October 2026 |
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A 4-star hotel in a prime location for events, close to the Bologna Fair and the Congress Palace. Just a short drive from the historic city center and the Bologna Fiera highway exit, it’s perfect for business and leisure stays. Guests can relax in well-appointed rooms, enjoy meals at the Spazio Meraville Restaurant, and make use of complimentary parking. In addition, the hotel is located only 600 m from the event venue, ensuring maximum comfort with easy, short-distance access and no need for additional travel. |
To complete your booking and receive a 15% discount, please email the hotel directly at info@hibolognafiera.it and mention the code ICAS26.
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Find more places to stay, all in one platform. |
Bologna Welcome offers a wide and diverse variety of hotel accommodations for your stay during the conference. Whether you prefer classic comfort, modern style, or boutique charm, you’ll find the perfect hotel to match your needs. With options spread throughout the city, every stay combines convenience, quality, and a welcoming atmosphere. |
Click below to complete your booking, explore available options, and add the 10% discount code ICAS26.
*Discount valid for stays between 20–23 October 2026 |
Important Security Notice:
Beware of Unauthorized Hotel Solicitations and Phishing Emails!
Please note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform for ICAS 2026, and that we are not associated with any hotel agency. You may receive emails or offers from hotel resellers or travel agencies regarding accommodation or travel arrangements for the conference. Please be aware that these services are not endorsed by or affiliated with ICAS 2026 or Sciforum.
To help protect you from potential scams or phishing attempts, all official conference communications will be sent exclusively from email addresses ending in @mdpi.com and @sciforum.com. Please avoid responding to suspicious emails, clicking on unverified links, or sharing personal or financial information through unofficial channels.
Please note that you must apply for your own visa application. MDPI is not responsible for any visa application. However, MDPI can provide a Visa Support Letter. To be eligible for such a document, the criteria below must be fulfilled.
Visa Support Letter
- Applicant must have paid for registration and submitted an abstract in order to receive a letter of support.
- Applicant must provide us with a scan of their valid, in-date passport that contains a photo of them.
- Applicant must provide us with a letter of support from their institution to confirm that it supports the delegate attending the meeting.
- This must be carried out in good time before the meeting; "last minute" requests will not be processed.