GDR XFEL PLENARY MEETING 2026
Welcome to the GDR XFEL Plenary Meeting 2026!
The GDR XFEL is pleased to announce its biennial plenary meeting, which will take place from Thursday, November 5, 2026 (1:00 pm) to Friday, November 6, 2026, at the IEMN Amphitheater in Villeneuve d'Ascq, on the Cité Scientifique campus from Lille University.
This event will be preceded by a a workshop Theory@XFEL from November 3 to 5, 2026 and will bring together researchers, scientists, and experts in the field of X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFEL).
Whether you are an experienced researcher or new to the field, this event offers a unique opportunity to engage with the community and contribute to the ongoing dialogue in XFEL research.
Stay tuned for updates as we finalize the program and additional details.
Dear participants,
To help us organize the meals during the event, please take a moment to fill out the questionnaire regarding your attendance at the Thursday evening dinner and the Friday midday lunch, as well as any dietary restrictions or allergies we should be aware of.
Thank you for your cooperation.
The plenary meeting will be held at the IEMN amphiteater in Villeneuve d'Ascq: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pDckJBvFHwCzqjgJ7
Access
The institute is easily accessible from Lille city centre by taking Metro Line 1 (the yellow line) and getting off at the 4 Cantons – Stade Pierre Mauroy stop.
Meals
Thursay diner: Venue to be confirmed
Friday lunch: At IEMN
Arrival by ...
... train:
There are two different stations, Lille Flandres and Lille Europe, which are within walking distance from each other (a few hundred meters).
- From Lille Flandres station, the university is easily reached by metro (about 15 minutes — see metro access above).
- From Lille Europe station, you first need to reach Lille Flandres station, either on foot (recommended) or by metro (line 2). Then take metro line 1 to reach the institut.
... air:
-
The best option is likely to be arriving at Paris - Charles De Gaulle Airport (CDG). The TGV station is located in Terminal 2. Take the train (TGV) to one of the Lille stations (Gare Lille Europe or Gare Lille Flandres). TGV trip duration: typically less than 55 minutes.
- If you are lucky, you may have got a flight to the nearest airport, Lille-Lesquin (LIL). The "navette" will bring you to Gare Lille Flandres (main station) where you can take the subway to reach the campus.
...car:
Lille can be (of course) also reached by car.
Hotel
We strongly recommend you to stay downtown and take the subway to reach the campus (the trip is typically ~15 minutes from city center). In case you prefer to stay closer, there are few hotels in the neighborhood of the campus, close to the stadium.
List of few hotels in Lille:
- Hôtel de la Treille (***) (Lille Center). The hotel is located in old town, 10 minutes walk from Gare Lille Flandres subway station, from which it takes 10 minutes to reach the Campus.
- Hôtel Brueghel (**) (Lille Center), is located near Saint Maurice church in a quiet street, 350 meters away from Gare Lille Flandres subway station.
- ibis Styles Lille Centre Gare Beffroi (***) Situated close to the city centre and the Lille Flandres and Lille Europe railway stations.
- Carlton (****) Hotel situated in the heart of the city centre. Located opposite the opera house and the old stock exchange.
All other hotels in this area (city center and old town) are also suited as long as you are not too far from the subway line 1.
More information to come.
More information to come.