Manchester
Manchester is in northwestern England, with a population directly in the city of approximately half a million people.
Unofficially called “The Capital of the North”, it is known for being the birthplace of the industrial revolution, and many will be familiar with its world-renowned football clubs. The city is also famous for its impact on the music scene in the UK—several highly successful musicians, such as The Smiths and Oasis, had their roots in Manchester. In 2002, the Commonwealth Games were held in the city, and the Manchester Velodrome played a big role in revitalizing its eastern area.
From an academic standpoint, it is home to two of the UK’s largest universities, in addition to the Royal Northern College of Music and University of Salford, the latter of which has a strong presence in the media and healthcare fields.
Around Canal Street, The Village brings a welcoming atmosphere, and in the Millenium Quarter, the Manchester Cathedral is a picturesque stop for visitors. The Gallery of Costume and the Science and Industry Museum also make for popular excursions, along with green spaces and world-class events, including the Manchester International Festival.
Restaurants, bars, shops, and galleries are easy to find in the city, and its great transport links will allow you to enjoy the conference and do some further exploring!
For a complete overview, visit wikitravel.org or see visitmanchester.com.
The Dalton Building at Manchester Metropolitan University
Home to over 44,000 students, Manchester Metropolitan University is one of the UK’s largest and most popular universities, based in the heart of Manchester. Its campus offers state-of-the-art facilities and innovative teaching, combined with outstanding research and award-winning degree apprenticeships that help students thrive in their careers.
The Dalton Building is its new home for the Faculty of Science and Engineering—a "Building of the Year" award recipient with exceptional facilities and social spaces.
If you're interested in viewing a campus map of Manchester Metropolitan University, please feel free to check it out here.
Address: Chester St, Manchester M1 5GD, United Kingdom
With all that there is to see and do in Manchester, we hope attendees will take the chance to explore this special city and what it has to offer. Check out the below for ideas and inspiration!
Find detailed accessibility guides and routes within Manchester here: www.accessable.co.uk/manchester.
Travel
By plane:
Manchester International Airport is just 10 miles (16 km) south of the city centre, with fast and frequent rail travel to Manchester. For more information about the airport and flights, please visit its official website at https://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/.
By train:
To plan your journey, please visit National Rail enquiries or telephone 0845 748 4950.
Manchester Oxford Road Railway Station
The All Saints area of the Manchester campus is just a five-minute walk from Oxford Road Station. There are regular regional trains from Oxford Road and the station is operated by Northern Rail.
Manchester Piccadilly Railway Station
Piccadilly Station is connected to local, regional, and national rail services and via the West Coast Mainline. You can walk to the venue's campus in 15–20 minutes from Piccadilly Station. Alternatively, take the 147 bus to Oxford Road. The 147 bus runs every 10–15 minutes throughout the working day.
Deansgate Railway Station
Deansgate is the closest station to the Birley area of the Manchester campus and provides access to local rail services on the Manchester–Liverpool route.
Manchester Victoria Railway Station
Victoria Station is on the northern side of the city centre. You can walk to Manchester Victoria in 25–30 minutes, or cycle in 10 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the free Metroshuttle Service 2 (Green Line) from Victoria Station Approach (Stop Ny) and disembark at Whitworth Street. The Metroshuttle services run every 10 minutes during the day.
- More information and other ways of travelling to Manchester Met
- FREE transit around Manchester's city centre
- Navigate Greater Manchester and beyond with its journey planner
Eating Sustainably in Manchester
Some Sustainable Cafés and Dining
Station South - a cycle café, bar, bike workshop, and urban garden
Winsome - built on Northern hospitality and thoughtful British cooking
Maray - serves food inspired by the flavours of the Middle East alongside delicious wine and cocktails
Another Hand - offers flavour-driven sharing plates, with veggie-led and responsibly farmed and sourced ingredients
Partnered Accommodations
We want your stay in Machester during the conference to be as comfortable as possible. With that in mind, we have collaborated with a number of hotels to provide you with a discount on accommodations in the heart of Manchester. Please book your accommodation online and contact the hotels directly with any issues or requests related to your booking.
We are delighted to announce that the following hotels will offer a discounted rate for all ICM 2026 attendees:
Hotel |
Description |
How to book |
 |
YOTEL Manchester Deansgate brings you close to everywhere with innovative design and time-saving tech in the beating heart of Manchester's city centre. Also check out Motley, their all-day restaurant for food, drinks, and winding down with others. It is 12 minutes from the conference venue by car or public transit, or under a 20-minute walk.
|
Click the button below to make a King Room reservation at a discount*:
*discount valid only until July 28th |
 |
At Maldron Hotel Manchester City Centre, shopping, nightlife, theaters, and stadiums are right at your doorstep, with Oxford Road and Piccadilly train stations just a short walk away. Arrive in 25 minutes from Manchester Airport, energize your stay with one of their bright and spacious rooms, and experience specially crafted menus at their Grain & Grill bar and restaurant. It is only 5 minutes from the conference venue on foot!
|
Visit their website by clicking the button below, select "BOOK NOW" in the top-right corner, and enter your dates for the room, along with the promo code ICMA150926.
|
 |
At the Pendulum Hotel Manchester, you're perfectly placed in the heart of the city, just a short walk from Piccadilly Station, Oxford Road, shopping, dining, and Manchester's vibrant nightlife. Arrive in around 20 minutes from Manchester Airport, relax in comfortable modern rooms, and enjoy on-site dining and drinks at The Hub Restaurant and Garden Bar. It is only 10 minutes from the conference venue on foot! |
Visit their website by clicking the button below, select "BOOK NOW", and click on "Do you have a promo code?" to bring up a box where you can enter ELH26. Select the date(s) you are looking to book and change the amount of people to your requirements; then, search.
The above will give you access to their special rate of GBP 95/night, including breakfast, for the period from 14/09/26 to 18/09/26. |
These accommodations have been carefully chosen to provide comfort and convenience for our guests while ensuring affordability through negotiated rates. Make the most of your conference experience with our exclusive lodging options designed to enhance your stay.
Beware of Unauthorized Registration and Hotel Solicitations!
Note that Sciforum is the only official registration platform to register to ICM 2026. While other hotel resellers and travel agencies may contact you with offers for your trip, they are not endorsed by or affiliated with ICM 2026 or Sciforum. Beware that entering into financial agreements with non-endorsed companies can have costly consequences.
Please note that you must apply for your own visa. MDPI is not responsible for any part of the visa application process of attendees. 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.
More useful information on visa application
ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION (ETA)
The UK government’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is a streamlined, digital immigration system that is quick and secure. It is not a visa or tax but authorises a person to travel to the UK. Visitors to the UK who do not currently require a visa for short stays will be required to obtain an ETA to travel and arrive at a UK port of entry. British and Irish citizens do not need an ETA, including dual citizens.
An ETA currently costs GBP 20 and permits multiple journeys to the UK for stays of up to 6 months at a time over 2 years or until the holder’s passport expires. Applying for an ETA is quick and simple. Most applicants currently receive an automatic decision in minutes when applying through the UK ETA app.
The following website provides comprehensive, up-to-date information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apply-for-an-electronic-travel-authorisation-eta.