Venue

Get FREE consultancy advice on using speech and / or language AI technologies in your work!

Click here for more info!

Annual Conference 2026 – Venue

Schedule

Keynotes

Research Talks

Research Posters

Submit an abstract

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. Tea, coffee, juice, and pastries will be available prior to the first session which starts at 10:00.

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. If the fire alarm sounds for a prolonged period at any 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:

Take Supertram from the Railway Station.
There are also bus stops at West Street and the main lines are 51, 52, 95, 95a and 120, connecting Sheffield Train Station, the city centre and other neighbourhoods of Sheffield (including the students' accommodation at Endcliffe Village) with the Diamond building.
Ask for the West Street stop on Supertram and the West Street/Mappin Street stop on the bus.
Cross West Street then turn into Mappin Street (with Subway Sandwiches on the corner), then left into Portobello. The Diamond is approximately 100 yards on your right.
On your way back to the Railway or Bus Stations, make sure you take the blue tram going to Halfway

By Car:

The nearest you can get to the Diamond by car is Regent Street / St George's Terrace. The nearest council pay and display car parks can be found on Broad Lane. These are just a few hundred yards walk away.
To reach the Diamond on foot from Broad Lane, turn onto Mappin Street (between St. George's Church and the Sir Fredrick Mappin building). Take the first right onto Portobello (pedestrianised) and the Diamond is approximately 100 yards on your right.
Additional parking is available in the Q Park Car Parks on Durham Road and Rockingham Street.

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.

Steam Yard Coffee Co. Known for its speciality coffee and delectable pastries, it's a great spot to recharge during the conference. Less than 10 minutes away from The Diamond.
Marmadukes Café Deli A charming cafe with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Marmadukes is perfect for a light breakfast, brunch, or a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. There are two in Sheffield City Centre - Norfolk Row & Cambridge Street.
Copper Pot Café A small cafe just minutes from the Diamond offering great coffee and breakfast. Includes great options for vegetarians and vegans.
Tamper Award-winning New Zealand coffee and food. Located around a 20-minute walk from the University.
Caffè Tucci Very popular independent Neapolitan cafe and deli with a great selection of paninis. Their other location on Ecclesall Road also serves a selection of Italian street food.

Local Favourites

Cutlery Works Features a variety of independent vendors serving everything from street food to artisanal desserts. Great for groups, as it's easy for everyone to order from different vendors. Konjö, offering Scandinavian-Japanese fusion street food, is run by the same team behind the Michelin guide-listed fine-dining restaurant Jöro. Reservations are recommended for peak days or large groups. Cutlery Works is in Kelham Island - a short but steep walk from the city centre. For a closer alternative see Cambridge Street Collective below.
Picocolos A relaxed, family-run Italian restaurant. It is very cosy, with only a handful of tables so ringing ahead to check for space is recommended. Less than 5 minutes away from The Diamond.
Domo Family-run Sardinian restaurant located in Kelham Island. Awarded best Italian restaurant in the UK in 2022. Also consider their nearby rooftop bar Kelu, serving cocktails and appetisers.
Silversmiths A modern take on traditional British flavours, with a focus on locally sourced, high-quality ingredients in a distinctive industrial setting.
Ashoka A popular Indian restaurant that has been serving Sheffield for nearly 60 years. Located on the bustling Ecclessall Road about a 20-minute walk from The Diamond.

Casual Dining

Cambridge Street Collective The newly-opened Cambridge Street Collective is the largest purpose-built food hall in Europe. Conveniently located in the heart of the city centre with a huge selection of vendors from across the world, ample seating, and a lovely rooftop terrace with views across the city.
Forum Kitchen and Bar Located in the heart of the city centre, Forum Kitchen + Bar offers a relaxed setting with a diverse menu. Ideal for a leisurely lunch or dinner with colleagues, if you pop next door to Common Rooms you can pay a game or two of pool too!
Cubana Experience the vibrant flavours of Cuba at Cubana. This lively restaurant serves up delicious tapas and cocktails, creating a lively atmosphere for socialising. If you arrive in Sheffield early- Cubanas offers Salsa classes and social dancing on Saturday & Sunday evenings.

Fine Dining

No Name An intimate bistro with an ever-changing menu based on seasonal and local availability. A little outside of the city centre but worth a visit. Booking usually required.
Rafters Located a short drive from the city centre, Michelin Guide-listed Rafters offers a sophisticated menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
Jöro Jöro in Sheffield is an innovative and sustainable fine-dining restaurant, celebrated for its inventive use of locally sourced, seasonal ingredients in a stylish and contemporary setting.

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.

The Red Deer A traditional British pub just minutes away from The Diamond. Serves a great range of real ales and classic pub food.
Nottingham House A pub loved by students and locals alike, often considered to have the best pies in Sheffield (including vegetarian and vegan options). There are no reservations and pies often sell out, so it's best to go for lunch or an early dinner! Make sure to try beloved local condiment Henderson's Relish on your pie.
Public This tiny bar in a former public toilet was named one of the best cocktail spots in the country. Located right in the city centre underneath the striking town hall.