HiPEAC 2008: Local Information
About Chalmers
Chalmers University of Technology was founded in 1829, with funds bequeathed by William Chalmers, a director of the successful Swedish East India Company in Göteborg. It gained formal University status only in 1937, but dual links to industry and science have been prominent from the very beginning, through the first president Carl Palmstedt (an industrialist) and his close friend J.J. Berzelius (the famous chemist).
Today, Chalmers has about 10,000 students on two campuses in Göteborg, including about 1,000 PhD students, and approximately 500 faculty members. Chalmers offers a wide range of education programmes, mainly in engineering and architecure. In 2005, 23% of the students were women.
The Chalmers Conference Centre (shown in the picture) is on the main Chalmers campus, which is within walking distance from the city centre. An extensive municipal network of trams, buses, and ferries make local transport convenient also for visitors without rental cars. The "Chalmers" tram stop at Chalmersplatsen is right in front of the Conference Centre.
More information: Chalmers, Campus map
About Göteborg
Göteborg, situated in South-West Sweden, is the second city in the country, with about 890,000 inhabitants. The city was founded in the 17th century to safeguard Sweden's access to the ocean; its port is now the busiest in Scandinavia. The nautical heritage still lends Göteborg an international flavour, which is further emphasized by the two universities: Chalmers University of Technology and Göteborg University, with about 60,000 students in total. Local industry includes AstraZeneca, Ericsson, Hasselblad, Saab, Volvo Cars, and AB Volvo.
Two international airports, each within 20 minutes from the city centre, offer daily flights to Göteborg from 17 European destinations. Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen are each reachable by train or car in less than four hours. Lodging options are plentiful; a discount rate will be offered at a conveniently placed four-star hotel.
The Göteborg archipelago, served by several ferry lines, provides ample opportunities for maritime relaxation. The ocean also inspires the cuisine at the top local restaurants. Göteborg offers 17 museums and a large amusement park within convenient walking distance from the city centre, as well as wilderness only a tram ride away. 30 golf clubs are located within a 30-minute drive from the city centre. The region also includes two UNESCO World Heritage sites: the bronze-age petroglyphs at Tanumshede, and the 1923 VLF radio transmitter in Grimeton.
More information: Göteborg, Tanumshede, Grimeton, Weather forecast
Some places of interest
About Sweden
Sweden, the largest Scandinavian country, has about 9 million inhabitants, most of whom live in the Southern half of the country. The defacto official language is Swedish, but English is widely spoken and understood.
Since 1995, Sweden is a member of the European Union. However, the Euro has not yet been adopted. The Swedish Krona (SEK) is currently approximately 11 Euro cents. Several foreign exchange offices are conveniently placed in shopping areas in Göteborg.
More information: Sweden
