SnT2025 Information Note for Participants
ORGANIZATION OF THE CONFERENCE
Date and Place
The CTBT: Science and Technology 2025 (SnT2025) Conference will be held from 8 to12 September 2025, with the 8 September as an online day only and from 9 to 12 September 2025 at the Hofburg Palace, Heldenplatz, 1010 Vienna, Austria and online. Please note that access to the conference is only possible through the Heldenplatz entrance of the Hofburg Palace. Participants who are travelling for the in-person Conference starting on 9 September, are not required to attend the online sessions on 8 September.
Language
The working language of the Conference is English unless otherwise indicated in the Conference programme. Interpretation in the official languages of the United Nations will be available only for the High-Level Plenary on the first day.
ONLINE Opening and high level plenary
The Online day on Monday 8 September will start with the SnT2025 online opening (see programme in the SnT2025 mobile App for more details).
The SnT2025 High-Level Plenary will commence on Tuesday, 9 September 2025, at 10:00 hrs in the Festsaal of the Hofburg Palace (see programme in the SnT2025 mobile App for detailed agenda of the High-Level Plenary). In-person participants are kindly requested to be seated punctually by 9:50 hrs.
REGISTRATION
All SnT2025 participants must register online in advance ( CTBT: Science and Technology Conference 2025 - SnT2025 (8-12 September 2025): How to register to SnT2025 · CTBTO Conferences and Workshops (Indico)) to ensure that their Conference badge to access the Hofburg Palace will be available for pick-up upon arrival at the venue.
Participants are requested to upload their picture to their profiles on the Conference platform CTBT: Science and Technology Conference 2025 - SnT2025 (8-12 September 2025): How to upload a profile picture · CTBTO Conferences and Workshops (Indico) no later than 20 August 2025. A picture is a requisite for the issuance of a Conference badge.
Instructions about the picture requirements and how to upload a profile picture are available on the Conference registration page under “Key Information: How to upload a profile picture”.
Registered participants will receive their individual electronic entrance ticket (containing a QR code) the week before the start of the Conference. The QR code will allow them to pick up their Conference badge on-site, provided the profile picture was correctly uploaded and fulfills the requirements.
Registered participants may pick up their Conference badges at the registration desk in the Hofburg Palace from Tuesday, 9 September, as of 8:30, after proceeding through the security check and upon presentation of the QR code.
The opening hours of the Conference at the Hofburg Palace are:
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Tuesday, 9 September 2025 8:00-19:30
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Wednesday, 10 September 2025 8:00-19:30
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Thursday, 11 September 2025 8:00-19:30
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Friday, 12 September 2025 8:00-16:00
On-site participants should wear their SnT2025 badge visibly within the Conference venue at all times.
Code of Conduct to Prevent Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, at UN System Events
All CTBTO events are guided by the highest ethical and professional standards, and the CTBTO is committed to provide an environment that is inclusive, respectful and safe for participants at its events.
The Code of Conduct to Prevent Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, at UN System Events” applies to the SnT2025 Conference.
All participants attending or involved in any capacity at the SnT2025 Conference are subject to and are expected to uphold the standards set out in the “Code of Conduct to Prevent Harassment, Including Sexual Harassment, at UN System Events”.
Participants may report violations by contacting the Conference Focal Point on-site or by writing an email to [email protected]. Participants may also seek assistance from the UNSSS Security Liaison Officers present on site.
DISABILITY INCLUSION STRATEGY
The CTBTO supports the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy and is a member of the Vienna International Disability Inclusion Network, which is an independent and self-sustaining network within the Vienna
International Centre and adheres to the United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy.
The United Nations Disability Inclusion Strategy provides the foundation for sustainable and transformative progress on disability inclusion through all pillars of the work of the United Nations: peace and security, human rights, and development.
The Strategy enables the UN system to support the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and other international human rights instruments, as well as the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, the Agenda for Humanity and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.
PRESENTATIONS
Detailed information on the presentations and panels listed below can be found in the Conference programme, which is available in the SnT2025 mobile app, virtual platform and at https://ctbto.org/SnT2025.
Oral Presentations
Oral presentations will be given in parallel sessions in the Prinz Eugen Saal and the Forum.
E-poster Presentations
E-posters will be on display in the Zeremoniensaal from Tuesday 9 in the afternoon to Friday 12 September at lunchtime.
E-posters files will be made available as early as possible before the start of SnT2025 on the SnT2025 virtual platform and until the end of the Conference. An e-poster layout map will be available at the venue to help participants locate specific e-posters, specifically for author sessions in Hofburg.
All e-posters can be brought up on demand and viewed on any of the touch screens at any time outside of e-poster sessions throughout the Conference opening hours.
Lightning talks (one minute e-poster previews) will take place in the Wintergarten on mornings of Wednesday, Thursday and Friday and each lightning session will be followed with the corresponding e-poster session with authors in attendance. The detailed scheduling is available in SnT2025 mobile app and on the virtual platform.
Panel discussion and keynotes
Panel discussions and keynotes will take place in the Festsaal.
SnT2025 EVENT PLATFORM
The SnT2025 event platform will feature both the SnT2025 mobile app and a web-based virtual platform. The SnT2025 event platform will provide access to conference related material such as the programme, documentation, abstracts, speaker lists, announcements and general information. Participants will also be able to use the event platform to raise questions during SnT2025 sessions or ask presentation related questions to authors on the session page and vote for their favorite presentations. The virtual platform will also give access to live streaming and video replays (or video-on-demand) of the programme elements.
More information on the SnT2025 event platform, including downloading instructions of the mobile app, will be provided prior to the Conference. The address of the web-based event platform will be communicated (via email and posted on the Conference portal used for registration) to all registered participants ahead of the start of SnT2025.
LIVE STREAMING OF CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS
The Conference proceedings will be streammed live on the SnT2025event platform. The High-Level Plenary will also be streamed in all CTBTO official languages on the UN Web TV platform. Video recordings of the proceedings will also be available on the CTBTO public web site after the conference.
AWARDS
During the closing plenary, the following awards will be presented:
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Star Award by the European Union
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Early Career Scientist Award
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Best Oral Presentation
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Best Scientific E-poster Presentation
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Best Technology E-poster Presentation
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Greatest Technological Advancement in Treaty Monitoring
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Greatest Scientific Advancement in Treaty Verification
Conference participants are asked to vote for these awards through the SnT2025 event platform. Additional information will be shared with participants prior to Snt2025.
CONFERENCE PREMISES AND SERVICES
Event accessibility
The Conference values full inclusion and is committed to providing barrier free access for all participants. Participants are encouraged to specify accessibility needs at the time of registration so that organizers can do their best to accommodate those requests.
Entry and Security
The venue is accessible via the Heldenplatz entrance of Hofburg, which has a free barrier entrance. The security check for further entry into the venue provides for an inclusive check-in as required.
All meeting rooms are accessible and barrier free. The acoustics will provide for clear transmission of the events, which can also be followed online via the SnT2025 event platform. Seating is reserved at the front of the meeting rooms for persons who are hard of hearing or have low vision. Space for wheelchair access, including turning radius consideration, is provided for.
Screens for presentations and videos are projected high enough for full visibility.
Elevators and Washrooms
Elevators and washrooms are marked with specific signage for ease of access.
A route for wheelchair access is included in the SnT2025 event platform. Elevators allow access from the ground floor (Parterre) to the first floor (Mezzanine).
Support
Should participants wish to notify Conference Services staff of any health issues and/or needs that are to be noted ahead of the conference or on-site at the venue, please contact Ms Paola Monroy at [email protected]. Assistance will also be available on-site at the registration desk and via the chat function on the SnT2025 mobile application.
Childcare
Nursing room at the Hofburg
A nursing room will be available on the ground floor of the venue. Signage will be available for ease of access.
Changing tables can be found in the washrooms on the ground and first floor of the Venue. Signs to the washrooms will be available on-site and a venue map with details will be available on the SnT2025 event platform.
INTERFAITH ROOM
A dedicated area is available for prayer and meditation on the Ground Floor. The area is available to persons of all faiths.
Signage will be available for ease of access.
Participants who wish to make use of this calm and neutral environment can approach the Information/Registration Desk on the Ground Floor or the Information Desk on the First Floor to ensure availability.
Use of Mobile Phones
Participants are requested to set their mobile devices on silent mode when inside the conference rooms to avoid interrupting the proceedings.
Cloakroom
A staffed cloakroom will be available in the entrance area of the Hofburg Palace. Please note that the Commission cannot assume any liability for the loss, damage or theft of items of any kind, including property, cash or personal effects, that may occur during or in connection with the events of the Commission. Since compensation for the loss, damage or theft of these items is not possible, the Commission recommends placing such items in safekeeping or obtaining an insurance policy that covers such risks.
Copying and Internet Facilities
The Commission is unable to offer photocopying or printing facilities to participants.
Computers will be available in the lounge area of the Venue, located in the Rittersaal (First Floor). Participants with their own equipment will be able to access Internet services using a Wi-Fi password that will be provided during registration. Charging stations for mobiles and laptops will also be available at designated areas of the Conference venue.
Assistance and Questions
Please contact a member of the Conference Support Team at the registration desk located at the Heldenplatz entrance to the Hofburg Palace in case of any questions or problems. During the conference, the Conference Support Team may be reached at +43 (0) 699 1459 6548 or via the chat function on the SnT2025 mobile application.
First Aid
A doctor will be on duty for the duration of the conference. For emergency assistance, participants should contact security personnel or a member of the Conference Support Team at the registration desk.
HOFBURG VIENNA
The Hofburg Vienna holds 17,000 m² of space in 35 rooms for events ranging from 50 to 4,900 persons. The heart of the property is embodied by the imperial staterooms which are equipped with ultramodern event technology. Altogether, the entire Hofburg complex (the former winter residence of the Habsburgs) contains a total area of 500,000 m² on 18 wings with 54 staircases, 19 courtyards and 2,600 different rooms.
The Hofburg serves as the home address for following important institutions:
DIRECTIONS TO THE HOFBURG PALACE
The Hofburg Palace, Heldenplatz, can be reached by underground (U-Bahn), tram, car or taxi. Public transport is recommended, as driving in the 1st district of Vienna can be difficult and parking is very limited.
By Underground (U-Bahn)
The Hofburg Palace is a 5-10 minute walk from the following underground stations:
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Stephansplatz: U1 or U3 lines, leave the station via the Graben exit.
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Karlsplatz: U1 or U4 lines, leaving the station via the Oper exit.
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Herrengasse: U3 line, leaving the station via the Herrengasse exit.
By Car
Drop-off and pick-up at the Heldenplatz entrance only.
By Taxi
Participants arriving by taxi are advised to use the Heldenplatz entrance.
TRANSPORT TO AND FROM THE AIRPORT
An airport bus service operates between Vienna International Airport (VIA) and Schwedenplatz, located in the 1st district, at a cost of €11 (one way) or €20 (return). The journey time from the city centre to the airport is approximately 20 minutes. Buses run to the airport every 30 minutes (from 05:00 to 04:00) and from the airport every 30 minutes (from 04:15 to 03:15) on this route.
The City Airport Train (CAT) operates between Vienna International Airport (VIA) and the Landstrasse (Wien-Mitte) underground station at a cost of €14,90 (one way) or €24,90 (return). The journey time is approximately 16 minutes. Trains run to the airport every 30 minutes
(from 05:37 to 23:07) and from the airport every 30 minutes (from 06:08 to 23:38).
Taxis are also available at Vienna International Airport and throughout Vienna and can be used for trips to and from Vienna International Airport. There are also various rideshare companies that operate from the airport to, and are available in, the city.
OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION
Banking Services
Banks offering full banking services can be found in the vicinity of the conference venue. Normal opening hours are from Monday to Friday from 8:00 to 15:00, with the exception of Thursdays when banks are open until 17:30.
Climate
During the month of September, the average temperature range in Vienna is generally around 20 to 30 degrees Celsius. It may rain at any time.
Currency and Credit Cards
The currency unit in Austria is the euro. The euro is divided into cents (100 cents = 1 euro).
Most banks in Austria no longer accept traveller’s cheques and only exchange major internationally traded currencies (e.g. Australian, Canadian and United States dollars; British pounds; Swiss francs). Furthermore, owing to legal and identity requirements, banks in Austria only permit their account holders to exchange foreign currency.
Participants are advised to carry a major foreign currency if they wish to buy euros upon arrival in Austria. It should be noted that currency exchange fees at Vienna International Airport are very high. Private currency exchange outlets are widely available in the city centre and likely to offer better rates.
There are automated teller machines (ATMs) at the airport and throughout the city, that accept debit and credit cards for cash withdrawals. Please be aware of any charges your bank may have regarding cash withdrawals abroad.
Most hotels, restaurants and shops accept internationally recognized credit cards. Although credit cards are widely accepted, participants should confirm in advance that their hotel accepts the credit card they plan to use.
Participants should be aware of the following regulation for bringing large amounts of money (€10 000 or more) into Austria: https://www.bmf.gv.at/en/topics/customs/travellers/cash-controls.html
Electricity
The standard voltage in Austria is 220 volts AC (50 hertz). A standard voltage converter and plug adaptor should be sufficient. Electrical outlets in Vienna require a two-prong plug with round prongs.
Language
The official language of Austria is German. English is also spoken in most restaurants and shops in the 1st district.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies in Vienna are generally open on weekdays from 8:00 to 18:00 and on Saturdays from 8:00 to 12:00. One pharmacy in each district of the city is open outside those hours. The addresses of pharmacies that are open outside regular working hours are posted on the door of every pharmacy and are also listed online at nightpharmacy.vienna
Postal Services
The closest post office providing all regular postal services to the Conference venue is located at Fleischmarkt 19 in the 1st district and is open from Monday to Friday from 8:00-19:00 and on Saturday from 10:00-18:00. The self-service area is open 24 hours. Post offices can also be found in all other districts of Vienna.
Time Zone
Austria follows Central European Time (CET), which in June is Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) + 2 hours.
