Why do we do this?

The Graduate School aims to enhance opportunities for international research collaborations, including Sandwich PhD programs, with its Strategic Partners. The Summer of Research provides an excellent opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the University Medical Center Groningen and the city of Groningen. At the same time, it allows our researchers to gain valuable insights into the work being conducted at partner universities.

The 2025 Summer of Research

The Program in 2025 consists of the following activities from 2 June onwards:

• 2-5 June 2025: ISCOMS International Student Congress of (Bio)Medical Sciences, focusing on biomedical research. Deadline for abstract submission is 19 January 2025.
• As of 9 June, for up to one month: research internship at department of student’s choice (or ISCOMS International Research Fellowship (IRF)

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

What do we cover?

For selected students, the Graduate School will cover:

• ISCOMS Fees: These include registration and housing.
• ATTP Research Internship: A "Research Voucher" of up to €1.300 for a four-week internship. The amount of the voucher is adjusted based on the duration of the internship.

ISCOMS sponsors an alternative to the ATTP Research Internship:

• ISCOMS International Research Fellowship (IRF): Students may choose to participate in one of the IRF projects offered by ISCOMS. The IRF application is open to students who have submitted an abstract to ISCOMS and have been selected to present at the event. Selection is at the discretion of ISCOMS and the IRF supervisor. The IRF for 2025 will take place from June 9 to June 19.

GSMS sponsoring of an extended IRF:

• Extended IRF: Occasionally, and subject to supervisor approval, the IRF period may be extended. GSMS may, on a case-by-case basis, choose to sponsor the IRF extension from its ATTP Research Voucher budget, provided the internship objectives align with its sponsorship policies. The IRF period itself is sponsored by ISCOMS. Students should indicate on their Research Internship Form (below) that they intend to apply for an IRF and, if selected, wish to extend their IRF period.

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

ATTP Research Internship or IRF?

Whether to apply for the Research Internship or the (extended) IRF is up to the student. When determining their personal pathway, students should primarily consider the following factors:

• ISCOMS Abstract Selection: Students must be selected to present their abstract at ISCOMS in order to apply for the IRF.
• Academic Fit: ISCOMS IRFs offer a sub-selection of research opportunities at UMCG. If students apply for the Summer of Research, the goal is to facilitate academic matchmaking between the student and a UMCG supervisor whose research interests align optimally with the student's own. This ensures that the internship supports future goals, such as preparing for a Sandwich PhD application. If the IRF projects do not fully align with the student's research interests, the ATTP Research Internship may be a better option.
• Period of Stay: Students may have commitments at their partner university that limit the time they can spend abroad. The IRF covers a period of 10 days after the ISCOMS conference, while the GSMS-sponsored Research Internship typically spans a longer duration.

The student should indicate their preferred option on the Internship Form.

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 19 January 2024. The GSMS is not involved in abstract selection. 

Support from the GSMS for ISCOMS is categorized as follows:

• Presenting students: The GSMS will fully cover ISCOMS fees for Partner students whose abstracts are accepted for presentation at the conference.
• Students with non-selected abstracts: The GSMS may consider sponsoring students who submitted an abstract but were not selected by ISCOMS.
• Non-presenting students: In exceptional cases, and upon request by a Partner, the GSMS may fund candidates who did not submit an abstract but 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

The following documents must be submitted to the GSMS by 2 March 2024:

• A completed Research Internship Form (use the template provided below).
• An English-language CV.
• A statement of support from the student’s home university, confirming approval for the intended mobility period.

Please note that submitting an application does not guarantee placement for a research stay. Placement is always contingent upon the following factors:

• The availability of research expertise in the student’s area of interest.
• The approval of a hosting supervisor at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).
• Approval from the Partner University.

The GSMS strives to pair students with supervisors and research groups that align with their academic and research interests. This personalized matching process ensures a meaningful and productive experience but requires significant time and effort. To facilitate timely placement, applications submitted after 2 March 2024 will not be considered.

Note: In exceptional circumstances, the statement of support from the home university may be submitted after the deadline.

Optional add-on: Summer Schools

The GSMS may cover Summer School fees for selected students, subject to a formal request from partner institutions. The dates and list of Summer Schools for 2025 have not yet been announced. Interested Partners are encouraged to regularly check the Summer Schools dedicated page for updates.

In case partner institutions wish to request student placements in one or more of the Schools, they should let the GSMS know by as soon as possible. In your communication, mention:

• The number of positions requested
• The specific Summer Schools for which placements are desired

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.

Please note that the allocation of GSMS funding for Summer School participation is subject to the availability of funds.