Organising Committee

The Organising Committee of ISCOMS 2026 is composed of 34 (bio)medical students from Groningen. Each student is responsible for a specific aspect of the congress’s planning and execution. Throughout the year, the team works together to ensure an engaging and well-organised congress. We are excited to welcome all the participants who will visit ISCOMS 2026!

The president, secretary and treasurer are responsible for overseeing the Organising Committee as the heads of the Executive Board.

The main task of the president, Georgina ter Haar, is to lead the Executive Board. She is responsible for the entire organisation leading up to and during the congress. Additionally, she is tasked with finding suitable day chairs and jury members.

The secretary, Wibine Roelants, acts as the organisation’s primary contact person. Throughout the year, she works closely with the president. In addition, she is responsible for all registrations, both online and during the congress. She manages the registration desk and is happy to welcome all participants this year.

The treasurer, Toon de Ruiter, is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the congress. In this role, he manages both incoming and outgoing funds and is tasked with preparing and maintaining the congress’s budget estimates.

Furthermore, we analyse the congress statistics to identify opportunities for improvement and to ensure the continued success of ISCOMS in the years to come.

We hope to see you at ISCOMS 2026!

The Scientific Programme Committee consists of six young and enthusiastic (bio)medical students. It is their responsibility to organise the scientific part of ISCOMS 2026. They are in charge of the keynote lectures, workshops, research day, interactive operation, patient lecture and the ISCOMS Research Fellowships (IRF). Their aim is to make the scientific programme of ISCOMS engaging and diverse. In addition, they supervise the abstract selection and ensure that students can present their research in a plenary, oral or poster session.

During the research day, participants have the chance to improve their research skills through a track of two masterclasses and attend engaging ISCOMS Medical Talks. Additionally, the Graduate School of Medical Sciences provides insights into the research possibilities in Groningen during ‘Your Future at the UMCG’.

Spread across the three congress days, five internationally well-established researchers will share their knowledge and experiences through keynote lectures. There will also be many exciting workshops, ranging from hands-on activities to patient demonstrations and interactive sessions on societal issues. Participants have the opportunity to attend an interactive operation. So even those not yet familiar with research can attend lectures, take part in hands-on workshops and develop new scientific skills.

For students interested in conducting research in Groningen at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG), the Scientific Programme Committee organises the two-week ISCOMS Research Fellowships. These short internships take place directly after the congress, offering participants the chance to connect with researchers at the UMCG.

We are convinced that ISCOMS is the perfect opportunity for students and young researchers from around the world to present their recent work, meet fellow researchers and become inspired by the world of research. We look forward to creating a challenging and diverse scientific programme for ISCOMS 2026!

ISCOMS cannot take place without its financial funding. The Sponsors & Fundraising Committee is responsible for securing these financial resources. This committee consists of six enthusiastic and dedicated students who are committed to making the congress financially possible. Their focus is to establish strong partnerships with companies by reaching out to potential sponsors and providing them with detailed information about the opportunities ISCOMS offers.

As one of the largest student congresses for (bio)medical sciences in the world, ISCOMS attracts numerous national and international students. In addition, the event is attended by scientists, professors, researchers and medical specialists from the UMCG, making ISCOMS highly attractive to potential sponsors.

The wide range of sponsorship options makes ISCOMS appealing to both large and small companies, offering them the chance to increase brand awareness and create new business opportunities. Sponsors benefits from visibility on the ISCOMS website, promotional materials and the opportunity to host workshops or set up a stand.

In addition to seeking sponsors, the committee actively applies for various funds to further support the congress. One committee member workes closely with the treasurer to manage the event’s financial matters, while another is responsible for organising an exclusive corporate member dinner at one of Groningen’s finest restaurants. The committee also oversees journal subscriptions, which are awarded as prizes to participants presenting at the congress.

The International Contacts Committee manages the global aspects of ISCOMS. Its primary responsibilities includes promoting the congress worldwide and assisting participants with registration issues or other challenges when they are preparing for ISCOMS 2026.

To promote the congress internationally, we engage in outreach through emails, promotional talks and the distribution of promotional materials across the globe. Our dedicated and enthusiastic ambassadors, inspired by their own ISCOMS experiences, supporte us in this mission. Information about the role of ambassadors and how to find one in a specific country is available via our website.

The International Contacts Committee also handles all incoming enquiries from students interested in submitting an abstract or seeking further information about ISCOMS. We support students with visa applications through communication with embassies, and we are responsible for managing the ISCOMS Travel Grants for those requiring financial assistance to attend the congress.

We are always eager to establish new international connections and welcome contact from anyone interested in helping to promote ISCOMS 2026. Those who feel they can contribute, we encourage you to contact us at iscoms@umcg.nl. For any other questions related to promotion, visas, ambassadors, Travel Grants or other matters, we are happy to help.

The Hosting & Logistics Committee is responsible for the hosting of participants, the social programme and the logistics during the congress.

When participants come to Groningen, they need a place to stay. In addition to providing discounts on various hotels and hostels in the city, the Hosting & Logistics Committee offers a cheap and enjoyable alternative. With the ‘Housing Hub’ option, participants can stay in a typical Dutch student house. Not only is this more affordable than a hotel, it also gives participants the opportunity to socialise with local students and experience how they live.

Alongside the scientific programme, ISCOMS provides a broad social programme to encourage participants to socialise and get to know one another.

The Hosting & Logistics Committee organises a city tour, a salsa workshop, a formal dinner, a recreational evening featuring a variety of activities, and, after the final day of the congress, the World Wide ISCOMS Night — an evening where everyone dresses in traditional or classical attire representing their country, coming together to celebrate the amazing week we shared. On the Friday following the congress, the Post Congress Tour will take place.

Finally, the Hosting and Logistics Committee oversees all logistical aspects of the congress. In collaboration with the Scientific Programme Committee, they organise the congress schedule and develop the plan of action — a comprehensive guide detailing every aspect of the event.

The Media & Branding Committee is responsible for the appearance and online promotion of ISCOMS.

Their main task is to deliver the graphical design of all materials handed out during the congress, as well as all flyers, posters, booklets and cards distributed across the world by our colleagues from the International Contacts Committee. Furthermore, they compose and design the Book of Abstracts, which will be made available to all participants after the congress. This book contains information about the congress and the people involved, along with all abstracts of the participants who will present their research at ISCOMS 2026. Finally, the committee manages the social media presence of ISCOMS, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

The Research & Development Committee focuses on innovating and improving each edition of ISCOMS. Through evaluation and brainstorming, the committee identifies what could and should be changed, ensuring that valuable insights, ideas and feedback are taken into account to maintain ISCOMS’s progressive nature.

Sustainability is an essential concept at ISCOMS. The Research & Development Committee works to minimise the environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices throughout the conference. The committee is also responsible for the website and the ISCOMS app. Each year, we update and improve the layout while ensuring participants receive accurate information and the latest updates.

In addition, the Organising Committee supports a charity each year. ISCOMS 2026 is supporting the ‘Prinses Máxima Centrum’, a hospital where children with cancer are treated. In addition to treatment, a lot of research is also conducted in childhood cancer to enable more and more children to be cured. The Research & Development Committee organises the fundraising activities.

Lastly, the committee maintains partnerships with other student-led organisations to promote the international exchange of biomedical knowledge. By sharing ideas and supporting one another’s initiatives, ISCOMS fosters academic growth, global connection and a shared commitment to advancing science and healthcare.

The Junior Advisors of ISCOMS are four board members from the past two editions of the congress. Their role is to provide guidance on topics that require a multi-year focus. Together with the current board, they collaborate on developing a long-term strategy addressing key areas such as the quality of education, sustainable partnerships, promotion, and the organisation of the congress. This ensures that ISCOMS continues to grow and thrive in its mission every year.

ISCOMS is a congress organised by and for students. Thirtyfour biomedical students are responsible for all scientific, financial, and organisational aspects of the congress. As the congress is organised every year by a new team of students, the advisory board can assist in the continuity of the congress. They have helped organising ISCOMS for many years now. Their expertise, experience and contacts are of great support for the Organising committee. The advisory board consists of three seniors from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG).

Prof. Matijs van Meurs MD PhD

Intensivist at the UMCG

Advisor since 2016

Robert A. Pol MD PhD

Vascular and transplant surgeon at the UMCG

Advisor since 2018

Dineke Verbeek PhD

Professor of Scientific Research in Medical Education & adjunct program director of medicine (bachelor and master)

Advisor since 2025

We would like to thank the advisory board for their continuous support and useful advice.

The ISCOMS First Year Crew (FYC) is made up of 12-15 enthusiast first year (bio)medical students. The FYC gives the Organising Committee a helping hand during the congress. They help build up the congress and they participate in the social and scientific programme. The FYC also awards one plenary speaker with the First Year Jury award. Although these first year students do not have a lot of medical experience, they will judge the plenary sessions open minded and with care. One of the things the FYC likes most about helping out at the congress is meeting and socialising with the international students, so if you see them at the congress, have a chat and say hi!