Social and Networking Events
In addition to the conference programme, ICSR + ART 2026 offers a range of social and networking activities throughout the conference period, culminating in a dedicated social programme across London on 4 July 2026.
Participants will be invited to join a WhatsApp community to facilitate communication and arrangements for social and networking activities during the conference.
ICSR participants are also encouraged to self-organise social gatherings, networking events, and interest-based group activities across London on 4 July. Attendees are welcome to use the WhatsApp community to propose activities, coordinate participation, and connect with others who share similar research interests, professional goals, cultural interests, or simply wish to explore London together.
Confirmed Activities
PhD Networking Sessions
[1-4 July]A dedicated networking event for PhD students and early career researchers working in social robotics and related fields. This session provides an informal and supportive environment for early-career researchers to meet peers, exchange ideas, discuss challenges, and explore opportunities for collaboration across institutions and disciplines. Undergraduate and graduate students and early career researchers are welcome to join.
Networking activities will be held at the conference venue during the first three days of the conference and are included in the registration fee. Additional optional social activities in London will also be arranged on 4 July.
Interested participants may contact Emilia Pietras and Barbara Sienkiewicz to be added to the participant list:
- Emilia Pietras: empi@mmmi.sdu.dk
- Barbara Sienkiewicz: barbara.sienkiewicz@dokt.p.lodz.pl
Social Networking at a London Pub
[1 & 4 July]
On the evening of 1 July, participants are invited to join the conference networking dinner and drinks reception at the Black Horse Pub, which forms part of the ICSR 2026 Opening Ceremony. Food and drinks for this event are included in the conference registration fee, providing an opportunity for attendees to meet fellow participants, establish new connections, and begin discussions in an informal and welcoming setting.
Following the tours on 4 July, participants are welcome to gather again at a London pub for a relaxed social evening. Food and beverages on this occasion will be available for individual purchase according to participants’ preferences. This informal gathering offers a final opportunity to strengthen professional connections, exchange ideas, and enjoy conversations beyond the conference programme.
London Tours
[Free event on 4 July]
Participants are invited to join curated cultural tours organised by the ICSR 2026 team. Taking advantage of London’s world-renowned cultural scene, this activity offers attendees the chance to explore the city while continuing conversations in a relaxed and inspiring setting.
We will coordinate the tours via conference WhatsApp community during the conference.
Social routes suggested by our honorary chair, emeritus prof Vali Lalioti, who is happy to connect and talk to participants about art, technology and culture walking routes and more.
Route 1: Artistic London: From Old Masters to Digital Art
https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1e7vNb3I77E-YJXP0ScVWYyenrcSZo5E&usp=sharing
Discover one of the world’s greatest concentrations of art within a leisurely self-guided walk through central London. Beginning at the National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square, this route takes you through masterpieces of European art, elegant Victorian arcades and the refined streets of St James’s and Mayfair before concluding with contemporary digital art.
Along the way, explore the National Gallery’s world-renowned collection, stroll through the historic Burlington Arcade, experience the quintessentially British atmosphere of Fortnum & Mason, and visit the Royal Academy of Arts. The walk finishes at Gazelli Art House, a contemporary gallery renowned for its programme of digital, immersive and technologically driven art, offering a fitting conclusion for visitors interested in the intersection of art, technology and innovation.
It is ideal for visitors wishing to experience both iconic cultural institutions and cutting-edge artistic practice within a comfortable 2.5–3 hour walk.
route 2: Iconic London Neighbourhoods: Markets, Theatre & Hidden Gems
https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1boeb5UfvWm1BnXgvfYVe0WxeTcmLpLU&usp=sharing
Experience the atmosphere of London’s most iconic neighbourhoods on this self-guided walking tour. Starting at Somerset House, wander through the vibrant streets of Covent Garden, discover the hidden courtyards of Neal’s Yard, browse the independent shops of Seven Dials and Carnaby Street, and finish in the lively restaurants and cafés of Soho and Chinatown. This route offers a perfect introduction to London’s theatre district, shopping, dining and urban culture, in a comfortable 2.5-3 hour walk.
Route 3: London: Science, Design & Future Worlds
https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1xu2WS0myoKSGnHlKqeXjDZIevcV_gic&usp=sharing
Explore South Kensington, London’s world-renowned museum district, where science, design and natural history come together. This route offers inspiration for anyone interested in innovation, creativity and the relationship between technology, nature and human discovery.
Visitors interested in AI-generated art, digital creativity and emerging artistic practices can continue to HOFA Gallery in Mayfair. HOFA is one of London’s leading contemporary galleries working with digital artists, computational creativity and AI-enabled artistic practice.