Surveillance in an Age of Crisis
The 10th Biennial Surveillance Studies Network / Surveillance & Society Conference
#SSN2024 28-31 May, 2024 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Hosted by the Institute of Criminology at the Faculty of Law and the Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia
About
In an era characterized by unprecedented technological advancements and evolving societal norms, the intricate interplay between surveillance…
Conference Programme
Registration
About the conference
In an era characterized by unprecedented technological advancements and evolving societal norms, the intricate interplay between surveillance and our daily lives has become a focal point of discussion and examination. Surveillance has always had an intimate relationship with crisis and transformation. Surveillance appears, spreads and intensifies as a response and an ‘answer’ to crises. Crises sharpen and focus ordinary problems, practices and technologies of government and social ordering. Crises have shaped the way in which surveillance is understood, developed and implemented at all levels. And finally, surveillance has also helped to shape the very construction, perception and understanding of crises.
Attending
Venue
The Conference will take place over 3 full days from 29-31 May, 2024, at the Faculty of Law, University of Ljubljana, Slovenia. All in-person sessions will be streamed online, and there will also be a dedicated online track with remote presentations for presenters who cannot attend in-person.
Faculty of Law
Poljanski nasip 2
1000 Ljubljana
Travel
For citizens of EU member states and numerous other countries (including UK, US, Canada, Australia…), a visa/resident permit is not required to visit Slovenia. If you are unsure about the status of your country regarding entry requirements, it is recommended to check the site of the Embassy, designated to the territory of Slovenia.
More info on the matter of entry requirements is available at the site of the Ministry of the Interior.
TRAVELLING BY ROAD
Ljubljana is located at the crossroads of Slovenia’s most important road routes. Motorway access from any of the neighbouring countries is very easy. Ljubljana is located 2.5 hours drive from Venice, Italy and 3.5 hours drive from Vienna, Austria.
Road tax vignettes must be purchased for the use of Slovenian motorways, including the Ljubljana bypass/ringroad. The roads where the vignette is required are marked by special vignette signs. Vignettes can be purchased at petrol stations located in the border areas of Slovenia’s neighbouring countries, at petrol stations, post offices and most newspaper kiosks in Slovenia, at branch offices of the Automobile Association of Slovenia (AMZS) and online at https://evinjeta.dars.si/en.
TRAVELLING BY AIR
The Ljubljana airport at Brnik (Jože Pučnik Airport) is about 25 km North-West from the center of Ljubljana. It has good connections with other European airports and is serviced by major European and other international airlines (Air France, Lufthansa, Swiss, LOT, Turkish Airlines), and low-fare carriers.
Ljubljana airport has direct flights to: Amsterdam, Belgrade, Brussels, Dubai, Frankfurt, Istanbul, London, Munich, Niš, Paris, Podgorica, Warsaw, Zurich.
In addition, several airports within reasonable distance to Ljubljana are served by low-fare carriers and offer favourable and well-priced connections: the Venice Marco Polo Airport (cca 230km/2h shuttle drive), Trieste Airport (cca 120km/1h shuttle drive) and Franjo Tuđman Airport Zagreb (cca 150km/1,5h shuttle drive).
You can find favourably priced scheduled shuttle transfers from these airports and Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport to the City of Ljubljana can be booked through the website at GoOpti or Nomago.
If you travel the city from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, you can also opt for public Bus transport or Taxi (e. g. Taxi Metro or City Taxi). We advise you to ask for the price before entering the car since airport taxis can have higher rates. You can also book taxi in advance. Listed Taxi services can also be utilized within the Ljubljana city.
For more detailed info, check here.
TRAVELLING BY BUS
The Ljubljana Bus Station has regular services to all of Slovenia’s neighbouring countries, as well as to the most popular tourist destinations within the country. Bus tickets can be purchased at the counter of the Ljubljana Bus Station or online from its website.
European cities served by direct bus routes from Ljubljana: Trieste, Venice, Florence, Milan, Klagenfurt, Vienna, Munich, Dortmund, Paris, Budapest, Zagreb, Sarajevo, Belgrade, Niš, Sofia, and more.
Major Slovenian tourist destinations served by direct bus routes from Ljubljana: Bled and Bohinj lake resorts, Postojna cave, the coastal towns of Portorož and Piran
For more detailed info, check here.
TRAVELLING BY TRAIN
Trains to Slovenia run daily from many European cities. For international travel, riding in a sleeping car is also possible Within the country, the lines are operated by the Slovenian Railways.
HOW TO GET AROUND
Accommodation
Below we list a few hotels that are close to the venue and therefore easily accessible by foot. Please keep in mind that May is a busy month in Ljubljana so we encourage participants to book their rooms as soon as possible. The recommended hotels are:
Best Western Premier Hotel Slon (4*)
Address: Slovenska cesta 34, 1000 Ljubljana
Price range: 173-233 €
Distance to venue: 900m
City Hotel Ljubljana (3*/4*)
Address: Dalmatinova 15, 1000 Ljubljana
Price range: 130-225 €
Distance to venue: 600m
Address: Tabor 9, 1000 Ljubljana
Price range: 130-160 €
Distance to venue: 600m
More Hotels in proximity to the City Centre can be found at the following link.
In addition, there are several hostels available near the City Centre (e. g. Boutique Hostel Angel (quiet hostel) or Hostel Celica). You can find the list of top 10 recommended hostels at the following link.
Location
Slovenia is a small, picturesque country in southern Central Europe, bordered by Italy to the west, Austria to the north, Hungary to the northeast, and Croatia to the south and southeast.
Ljubljana, the capital and largest city of Slovenia, is known for its charming and welcoming atmosphere. The city is situated in the central part of the country, and its geographical location has contributed to Slovenia’s reputation as a crossroads of different cultures and influences. The city’s architecture reflects its history, with a mix of Baroque, Art Nouveau, and modernist styles.
Despite being a mid-sized European city, Ljubljana has retained a sense of intimacy and friendliness. The city is characterized by a pedestrian-friendly city center, with a charming old town situated along the Ljubljanica River. The Triple Bridge, Ljubljana Castle, and Prešeren Square are among the notable landmarks.
Slovenia, in general, is celebrated for its diverse natural landscapes, including the Julian Alps, pristine lakes like Lake Bled, and the Adriatic Sea coastline. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as hiking, skiing, and water sports in different parts of the country.
Navigate Ljubljana via the Visit Ljubljana web page.
Discovering Slovenia
Slovenia, a hidden gem in the heart of Europe, captivates visitors with its diverse and enchanting landscapes, rich history, and a blend of cultural influences. Here’s an introduction to some of the most famous and awe-inspiring sightseeing locations that showcase the beauty and charm of this small but remarkable country:
Lake Bled
Nestled amidst the Julian Alps, Lake Bled is a postcard-perfect destination. The iconic Bled Island, with its medieval church, and Bled Castle perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, create a fairy-tale setting. Visitors can take a traditional pletna boat to the island or enjoy panoramic views from the castle.
Škocjan Caves
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Škocjan Caves are a subterranean marvel. Visitors can explore vast chambers, underground rivers, and breathtaking stalactite formations. The caves are a testament to the country’s geological wonders and are among the most important karst cave systems in the world.
Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Another fascinating karst landscape awaits at Postojna Cave, one of the world’s largest cave systems. Adjacent to the cave is Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built into a cliff. Together, they offer a unique combination of natural beauty and architectural marvel.
Triglav National Park
Nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts will find paradise in Triglav National Park, named after Slovenia’s highest peak, Mount Triglav. The park boasts pristine alpine landscapes, crystal-clear lakes, and hiking trails that lead to breathtaking viewpoints.
Piran
Perched on the Adriatic coast, Piran is a charming coastal town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and narrow, cobblestone streets. The Tartini Square, St. George’s Church, and the Venetian-style architecture create a delightful atmosphere reminiscent of Italy.
Ptuj Castle
Located in the oldest town in Slovenia, Ptuj Castle is a medieval fortress with a rich history. The castle houses a museum that showcases the town’s cultural heritage, and its tower offers panoramic views of Ptuj and the Drava River.
Idrija
Idrija is a town with a unique cultural and industrial heritage. It is renowned for its lace-making tradition, which is inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The town also features the Kamšt waterwheel and the Anthony’s Main Road mercury mine.
Gourmet Experience
Slovenia, with its rich culinary heritage and diverse landscapes, offers a delightful array of gourmet experiences for food enthusiasts. Here’s a glimpse into the unique culinary delights you can savor in this charming Central European country:
- Local Flavors and Farmers’ Markets: Explore the vibrant farmers’ markets, such as Ljubljana’s Central Market, where you can indulge in the freshest local produce, artisan cheeses, and handcrafted goods. Try Slovenian honey, renowned for its quality and diversity of flavors, or sample the artisanal olive oils and truffle-infused products.
- Wine Tasting in the Vineyards: Slovenia boasts numerous wine regions, each with its own distinctive varieties. Take a scenic drive to the vineyards of Goriska Brda or the Vipava Valley, where you can tour wineries, meet passionate winemakers, and taste exquisite local wines like Rebula, Malvasia, and Teran.
- Haute Cuisine in Ljubljana: Ljubljana is a culinary hub, offering a range of dining experiences from traditional Slovenian fare to modern gastronomy. Explore Michelin-starred restaurants like Hiša Franko, renowned for its innovative use of local ingredients, or try the creative dishes at Atelje, where chefs combine traditional flavors with contemporary techniques.
- Traditional Slovenian Dishes: Indulge in the flavors of traditional Slovenian cuisine, which often features hearty dishes with a focus on locally sourced ingredients. Don’t miss out on trying specialties like Potica (nut roll), Štruklji (rolled dumplings), and Kranjska Klobasa (Carniolan sausage), which has been given protected geographical indication (PGI) status.
- Cheese Tasting in the Alps: Head to the Alpine regions, such as Bohinj or Bovec, to savor the delicious Alpine cheeses. Local varieties like Tolminc and Bovec cheese showcase the alpine meadows’ rich influence on the flavor profiles.
- Culinary Festivals: The Odprta Kuhna (Open Kitchen) in Ljubljana, for example, brings together a diverse range of food vendors, offering a chance to sample dishes from various regions in one place.
- Truffle Hunting in Istria: Explore the Istrian region, known for its truffle-rich soil. Participate in a truffle hunting experience with trained dogs, followed by a tasting session of truffle-infused dishes, olive oils, and local wines.
- Slovenian Desserts and Sweets: Delectable Slovenian Desserts.. Try the famous Bled Cream Cake, a delightful confection of vanilla custard and whipped cream on a crispy pastry.