The Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS) offers selected students of Strategic Partners to participate in the so-called "Summer of Research" (SoR). In 2025 the SoR consists of two core activities in the months June and July:
- Participation in one of the largest biomedical student conferences in the world (ISCOMS),
- A subsequent research internship, lasting approximately one month
This year, students also have the option to add participation in one of the medical Summer Schools in July. This add-on will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
Why do we do this?
The Graduate School aims to enhance opportunities for international research collaborations, including sandwich PhD structures, with its Strategic Partners. The Summer of Research offers an excellent opportunity for students to familiarize themselves with the University Medical Center Groningen and the city of Groningen, while also allowing our researchers to gain insight 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 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?
For selected students, the Graduate School will cover:
- ISCOMS fees: which includes registration and housing
- Research Internship: a Research Voucher of a maximum of 1.300 euros (for four weeks). The amount of the Research Voucher is adjusted depending on the duration of the internship.
- Extended IRF: Students selected for the International Research Fellowship (IRF), which takes place between 9-19 June 2025, may request to extend their stay to continue working on their IRF project. The GSMS can cover the costs of this extended stay, up to €1,300. The amount granted is adjusted depending on the duration of the IFR extension.
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 also cover the Summer School fees for selected students upon request from partner institutions. Academic Partners can send a request to the GSMS if they would like to make use of this option (see section "Summer Schools" below).
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.
• Non-selected abstracts: The GSMS may consider sponsoring students who submitted an abstract but were not selected by ISCOMS.
• Non-presenting participants: 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
Important notice:
The internship opportunity provided by GSMS is distinct from the International Research Fellowship (IRF) offered by ISCOMS. Candidates interested in the IRF must apply directly through ISCOMS. Candidate interested in extending their IRF may apply for the GSMS internship, which will, in that case be called 'extended IRF'.
Match-making:
The GSMS works 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 is time-intensive. To facilitate timely placement, students are strongly encouraged to submit their applications as early as possible and no later than 2 March 2024.
Please note that placement for a research stay always depends on:
- 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).
Application Process:
Interested candidates should:
- Review the section “How do I locate a supervisor?” on this webpage.
- Complete the Research Internship Form, available for download below.
Required Documentation:
The following documents should be submitted to the GSMS by 3 March 2024:
- Completed Research Internship Form.
- English-language CV.
- A statement of support from the student’s home university for the intended mobility period.
Optional add-on: Summer Schools
The GSMS may also cover the Summer School fees for selected students upon 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 on the University of Groningen website 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.