Why do we do this?

The Graduate School aims to increase the potential for international research collaborations, including sandwich PhD structures, with our Strategic Partners. The Summer of Research is a great way for students to become acquainted with the University Medical Center Groningen and the city of Groningen, and for our researchers to become acquainted with the research at our partner universities.

The 2024 Summer of Research

The Program in 2024 consists of the following activities from 3 June onwards:

• 3-6 June 2024: ISCOMS International Student Congress of (Bio)Medical Sciences, focusing on biomedical research. Deadline for abstract submission is 21 January 2024!
• As of 10 June, for approximately one month: research internship at department of student’s choice (or extended ISCOMS International Research Fellowship)

Any candidate supported by the GSMS will receive a written sponsorship confirmation.

What do we cover?

In selected cases, the Graduate School covers:

• ISCOMS fees, which includes registration and housing
• Research Internship: a Research Voucher of 1.300 euros (for four weeks)

This means that most costs for the stay of the students in Groningen will be covered. They would need to find the means for travel and some extra pocket money.

The GSMS may additionally cover the Summer School fees of selected students in case Partners have  requested this. Academic Partners can send a request to the GSMS if they would like to make use of this option (see section "Summer Schools").

How to apply? ISCOMS

Students need to be selected by ISCOMS to become presenting participants! 

Abstracts should be submitted by the student in accordance with ISCOMS instructions via their website by 21 January 2024. The GSMS is not involved in abstract selection. 

The following applies:

• The GSMS will in any case cover student fees for ISCOMS participation if Partner students have submitted an abstract to present at the conference, and their abstract has been selected.
• The GSMS will consider sponsoring Partner students who have submitted an abstract and who were not selected by ISCOMS.
• In exceptional cases, and at the request of a Partner, the GSMS will consider funding candidates who have not submitted an abstract and who wish to attend as non-presenting participants.

In all cases, the GSMS will communicate with the Partner prior to committing to sponsoring Partner students. 

How to apply? Research internship

NOTE THAT THE INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY OFFERED BY THE GSMS IS DIFFERENT FROM THE IRF OFFERED BY ISCOMS. CANDIDATES INTERESTED IN THE IRF SHOULD APPLY TO ISCOMS DIRECTLY. ONLY CANDIDATES INTERESTED TO EXTEND THEIR INTERNSHIP WHO HAVE AN EXPLICIT INTEREST IN THE SANDWICH PHD PROGRAM OF THE GSMS, MAY APPLY TO THE INTERNSHIP IN ACCORDANCE WITH INSTRUCTIONS HERE.

The matching of students with supervisors takes time. Students are advised to send in their application as soon as possible, but by 3 March 2024 at the latest!

Placement of students for a research stay is always dependent on:

• the availability of research expertise in the area of choice of the student
• the acceptance of a hosting supervisor at the UMCG

Interested candidates should:

• consult the section “How do I locate a supervisor?” on this webpage
• complete the "Research internship form" available for download below. 

The following documentation should be sent to the GSMS by 3 March 2024:

• Research internship form
• English-language CV 
• Statement of support for the period of the intended mobility from the student's home university

Optional add-on: Summer Schools

Partners are requested to keep an eye on the dates for the 2024 biomedical summer schools via this website. In case they wish to request student placements in one or more of the Schools, they should let the GSMS know by 4 February 2024. In your communication, mention:

• The number of positions requested
• For which schools

Selection of students for participation in the schools is the authority of the individual summer schools. Students should follow the application instructions of the school of their interest, in accordance with deadlines as announced.