Venue
The 19th Annual Conference of the
European Association for Machine Translation
Riga, Latvia
May 30 - June 1, 2016
EAMT 2016 will take place at the main building of the University of Latvia, in the capital city of Riga.
Location
The address of the venue is:
University of Latvia
The University of Latvia is one of the largest comprehensive and leading research universities in the Baltic states, with more than 130 academic and professional study programmes.
The historic main building of the University of Latvia, an architectural landmark in the heart of Riga, is the oldest university building in Latvia. Designed by renowned architect Gustav Hilbig and completed in 1869, the momentous building combines features of the Neo-Romantic, Renaissance, and Byzantine styles. After construction, the building originally housed the Riga Polytechnic Institute, but passed into the hands of the University of Latvia in 1915.
The façade of the main building is adorned with various decorative elements. The middle section of the façade is decorated with three iron casts that depict the historical emblems of the 19th century Baltic provinces – Vidzeme, Kurzeme, and Estonia. Above the three emblems, you will find reliefs symbolising the nine technical fields of sciences – physics, chemistry, mechanics, trade, engineering, architecture, agriculture, land surveying, and navigation – all of which could be studied at the Riga Polytechnic Institute. The very top of the façade is proudly adorned by the coat of the arms of the Republic of Latvia.
In the 150 years since its construction, the main university building has been gradually expanded around a spacious courtyard occupying an entire city block, directly across from the National Opera Building and adjacent to the Freedom Monument.
Riga
Founded in 1201, Riga is located on the picturesque shores of the Baltic Sea. The city was a member of the Hanseatic League and has been a major centre of trade and commerce for many centuries. As a result, Riga has become a true multilingual hotspot, with its fascinating mixture of proud Latvian traditions and influences from the various cultures that have controlled the region throughout history.
With 693,064 inhabitants, Riga is the largest city in the Baltic states and home to more than one third of Latvia's population. The city blends a rich medieval heritage with stunning 19th century architecture. Riga has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its remarkable collection of Art Nouveau buildings, one of the largest in the world, as well as its charming wooden buildings, which you will still find nestled within the urban landscape.
Riga also boasts a robust arts and cultural scene, with a world-class opera and symphony orchestra, making it one of the most vibrant capitals in Northern Europe. Riga was the European Capital of Culture in 2014 and hosted the Presidency of the Council of the EU in 2015.
Latvia
Latvia resides on the coast of the Baltic Sea and is known for its strong national identity, diverse culture, modern cities and landscapes ranging from wide beaches to dense, sprawling forests.
Despite its size (population 2 million) and rather difficult history, there are no shortage of success stories that has helped earn an international recognition. From countries’ ability to deal with recent global financial and economic crisis and growth of economic to famous musicians, artists, athletes, academics and innovators. Conductor Mariss Jansons, opera singer Elīna Garanča, basketball player Kristaps Porziņģis, pianist Vestards Šimkus, architect Gunārs Birkerts and BMX racer Māris Štrombergs are just a few of them.
Latvia joined the European Union in 2004. Since 2014 it is also member of the Eurozone, becoming the 18th country to switch its currency to the Euro.
