Annual Conference 2025 – Venue

Conference Venue: The Diamond

The Annual Conference of the UKRI Centre for Doctoral Training in Speech and Language Technologies and their Applications will be hosted in the Faculty of Engineering's flagship Diamond building.

The Diamond is a striking structure that is home to over 6,000 students from the Faculty of Engineering. Seven engineering departments and three interdisciplinary programmes use The Diamond and is home to the CATE award winning Multidisciplinary Engineering Education team.

Arrival

Please enter the building from the Leavygreave Road Entrance where you will find the Conference Reception desk in the basement

Upon arrival, please visit the Conference Reception desk to collect your name badge. You will then be directed to the Diamond's basement foyer where tea, coffee, juice, and pastries will be available prior to the first session which starts at 9:30. 

A complete guide to the accessibility of the Diamond is available from AccessAble which includes descriptions and photos of entrances and lecture theatres.

Fire Alarms and Safety

The Diamond's weekly fire alarm test is 11.50am on Wednesdays. Therefore, it will sound during the conference on Wednesday 25th June. If the fire alarm sounds for a prolonged period at this time or any other time during the event please evacuate the building by the nearest fire exit. The fire assembly point is in the grounds of St. George’s Church. If you are unable to evacuate using stairs from the basement level, there are emergency refuge points located by the staff-only lifts in each corner. Full information on building access and evacuation.

Toilet Facilities

There are large Male and Female toilets at one end of the basement level. There is an accessible toilet at each end of the basement level. There is a Gender Neutral toilet on the ground level by the west (Jessop Plaza) entrance.

Prayer Facilities

Prayer rooms and Wudu facilities are available in the building. Please speak to the event organisers for further information.

Quiet Room

There will be a quiet room available to use throughout the conference. Since this room is an unused lecture theatre, it will have a reduced level of noise and a reduced light level.

Getting to the Diamond

Maps

You can view and download maps of the University Campus as well as maps of Sheffield city centre and the broader central Sheffield area.

Directions

On foot or public transport:

By Car:

Getting to Sheffield

By Air

Manchester Airport (MAN)

If you're arriving internationally, Manchester Airport is a major hub with direct flights to/from many European cities and excellent transport links to Sheffield. You can take a train from Manchester Airport to Sheffield (with a straightforward change at Manchester Piccadilly, usually just across the platform).

East Midlands (EMA), Leeds Bradford (LBA), Liverpool (LPL) and Birmingham (BHX) airports

Other airport options in the North and Midlands are connected to Sheffield via buses and/or trains. You can find more information at the Welcome to Sheffield website or at the airports' websites: 

London Airports  (LHR/ LGW)

Alternatively, you could fly into Heathrow or Gatwick in London and use the regular rail link between London St Pancras and Sheffield. 

By Train

Sheffield Train Station

Sheffield has a centrally located train station with regular services from major cities across the UK. The station is well-connected, making it a convenient option for conference attendees. You can check and buy tickets using the following websites: 

The station has a taxi rank outside and a direct connection to the tram network. Buses to and from the station call at the nearby Sheffield Interchange, a short distance from the station.

Sheffield can also be accessed via Meadowhall train station, where you can get into the city via train or tram.

By Car

Sheffield is easily accessible from the M1 motorway. The city centre has limited short-stay parking either on-street or in small car parks. Larger multistory parking is available at Q-Park Rockingham Street (which can be pre-booked) or Durham Road, and many hotels have parking arrangements.

As you enter the centre of Sheffield, you may see signs for Clean Air Zone charges; note that these do not apply to private vehicles.

By Bus

National Express/Megabus

National Express and Megabus offer affordable and convenient coach services to Sheffield from various cities. Check their websites for schedules and bookings. Buses arrive at either Sheffield City Centre coach station (Sheffield Interchange) or Meadowhall coach station

Where to eat in Sheffield

Sheffield is a city known for its diverse culinary scene. During your stay, explore the vibrant flavours that Sheffield's city centre has to offer. From cosy cafes to upscale dining, there's something for every palate. Here are some recommendations.

For more ideas, go to the Visit Sheffield website.

Sheffield's independent restaurants are very popular, even on weekdays, so we suggest booking in advance (especially for fine dining) where possible. If you're looking for a last-minute walk-in, try Division Street or Ecclesall Road, as these streets have lots of great options.  

Quick Bites and Cafes

If you're looking to grab something quickly, try the Diamond Kitchen located on the ground floor of the building. It serves locally roasted coffee, cakes and pastries, sandwiches, and hot food. But if you've got a little more time, Sheffield is host to a huge number of fantastic independent cafes.

Local Favourites

Casual Dining

Fine Dining

Pubs and Bars

If you're a craft beer fan, check out this guide for places you can't miss while staying in the world's craft beer capital.