History of ISCOMS
Where it all started: Story by initiator of ISCOMS, Theo de Vries
“Students know very little, can do pretty much nothing and lack any drive or initiative”. This, or a variation of it, is what I often heard as a young aspiring doctor from my physician colleagues at the medical faculty in Groningen (the Netherlands) in the later part of the previous century. And perhaps some professors still think or say that. At that time, I was a general practitioner and a scientific researcher at the department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics.
Apart from the great generalisation of the above-mentioned remark, I did not lose my enthusiasm and refused to believe this myself. So, it was time for an experiment! A colleague and dear friend of mine from Tenerife-Spain, Emilio Sanz, had initiated a mini-conference for a small group of eager medical students that was organised and presented by those students themselves. Here, some undergraduate students presented their own research to their fellow students, with the purpose to familiarise more undergraduate students with cool research, and getting them excited about various projects. Voila…! Here were students who showed that they do know ‘stuff’, can do things, and have a drive!
My own subsequent experiment consisted of organising and executing a ‘Student Congress’ by and for all students of the medical faculty. I started in 1993 with the appointment of two overly enthusiastic second year medical students, Kees Poelstra and Eric Maarsingh. They had caught my eye in the somewhat dark lecture hall where I gave my lectures with overhead sheets and slides. They always sat together in one of the first rows with four eager and bright open eyes, absorbing my lessons and regularly asking critical questions. I thought then: with those two guys I could win a ‘war’.
As the initial first step, they travelled to Tenerife to learn from the experiences of the mini-conference there, after which they planned the organisation locally by setting up four collaborating committees for the organisation, comprised of their fellow medical students only. These committees were: Infrastructure and Logistics, Public Relations, Research Presentations, Financial Management and Sponsoring. The medical faculty board gave the green light to proceed, and a colleague (Gerjan Navis) and I supervised this process. In 1994, the first full-day Student Congress of Medicine was successfully executed with 15 oral and 15 poster presentations in front of 450+ medical students. Since its inception, this conference (now called ‘ISCOMS’) has been organised annually and has become a permanent part of the medical school curriculum. It has grown into a five-day international congress for an average of 700 students from not only Groningen, but also other (bio)medical studies from within the Netherlands and from more than 60 countries abroad. Now, here you literally see: Medical Students “do know, can-do, and actually want lots of things!” Based on our positive experience with the ‘experiment’ for over three decades now, I sincerely hope that students all over the world will adopt this successful concept of ‘by- and for students’. It is important for scientific research, building organisational skills but above all, very educational and great fun!
Theo PGM de Vries, emeritus professor Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics
Groningen 2024
1994
The first ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’
On the 8th of June 1994, the first Medical Student Congress, known in Dutch as ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde (SCG)’, took place at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands. The aim of this congress was to bring medical students closer to scientific research. This was achieved in various ways: students were called upon to submit their research results in the form of an abstract, so that they could be selected for an oral presentation or a poster presentation. Because this was the first time for many student researchers, they were given the opportunity to not only prepare their slides, but also practice their presentations under the guidance of a professional speaker prior to the actual meeting. Thanks to this process, on the day of the congress itself, both the quality and the content of the presentations were excellent. Additionally, all students were given the opportunity for a poster presentation on the day of the congress. The posters were displayed in the large patio of the UMCG and could be read by the visitors of the conference during the day. Each of those students were also given the opportunity to briefly discuss their research during the day in front of a jury of their peers. The technical exhibits of all the university departments and research institutes were also located in that patio, in front of the conference hall, to raise interest and enthusiasm.
This way students could easily come into direct contact with the departments and hear about interesting research that was being conducted there. During the first few conferences, the intention was still to make scientific research more accessible and interesting for students, so that they could participate in ongoing research themselves. Witnessing their fellow students present their own research during the conference day also got them excited about doing research themselves. This was an important reason to keep the initial conferences ‘small’ and local.
This first ever congress was fully initiated and organised by medical students and supervised by attendings, lecturers and professors. Here too, students could benefit from participation in the organisation with fellow students in various ways, such as developing the initiative to setup a transparent, successful organisation, select scientific research to be presented, learn strategies to get sponsoring, and use the available research schools for collaboration. The first few annual conferences turned out to be a huge hit and met a great demand. Finding students willing to volunteer to help organise became easier as the years went on, and was eventually considered a privilege to be chosen. Also, the number of abstracts that were submitted by students who were already doing research increased dramatically. The days of the congress lead to a vibrant mix of students, researchers and teachers, who managed to find each other there during the days or during the various evening gatherings. The student congress received extensive coverage in both the local and national press, and it only grew in popularity ever since!
1995:
Second ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’
The success of this first Student Congress Medicine, meant that it was quickly embraced by the faculty. The second Student Congress Medicine became an official educational activity from the medical school. With this, the goals of the two organising students, Eric Maarsingh and Kees Poelstra, and their supervisors Theo de Vries and Gerjan Navis were successfully achieved: a knowledge fair organised for- and by students, where students were introduced to real scientific research, while providing a platform for-, and guidance to present their personal work.
1996:
Third ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’
The Student Congress Medicine was for the first time embedded into the faculty, as a taskforce of the faculty board. This formality was a major milestone ensuring that the congress would be a congress to stay for the years to come.
1997:
Fourth ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’
In 1997, the Student Congress Medicine organised masterclasses for the first time. These sessions allowed participants to improve their research skills and explore a range of topics. The masterclasses were intended for students who were interested in research, but not quite sure how to do research. With topics such as: “Combining research and your studies: is that possible?” and “Research abroad: is it something for me?” students could explore their interest in research, while learning practical tips to start doing research. Today, similar masterclasses are still organised, during the Pre-course day!
1998:
Fifth ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’
The Student Congress Medicine is now five years old! This jubilee edition introduced several new elements that marked the first steps towards attracting more students from outside Groningen. With a special national session, students from all medical faculties in the Netherlands were invited to present their research in Groningen for the first time. In addition, poster presentations took on a new format. During the poster market, students presented their research while the audience walked around and engaged with the displays.
1999:
Sixth edition of ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’
During the sixth edition of the Student Congress Medicine, workshops were introduced as a key new feature. The earlier masterclasses, first held in 1997, mainly focused on getting started with research. This edition added a more practical, hands-on element, giving students the chance to practise clinical reasoning using real-life cases.
2000:
Seventh edition of ‘Student Congres Geneeskunde’
In 2000, the seventh edition of the Student Congress Medicine began with a remarkable keynote lecture by Professor Buys. He spoke about the Human Genome Project, a topic that at the time seemed almost unimaginable, as the idea of mapping the entire human genome was revolutionary. Also, a voting keypad was introduced to engage the audience interactively during the event.
2002:
Ninth edition of ‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’
To inspire more students to pursue careers as both medical doctors and researchers, the Faculty of Medical Sciences launched the MD/PhD programme. This initiative offers students the opportunity to extend their medical studies by two additional years, combining clinical training with PhD research. This development has played an important role in strengthening the connection between clinical practice and scientific research. ISCOMS provided an excellent platform for these students to present their research.
2003:
‘Studenten Congres Geneeskunde’ became ISCOMS – first international edition
In 2003, the congress celebrated its second jubilee with a major milestone: the first international edition. It was held entirely in English for the first time, changing its name from Student Congress Medicine to the International Student Congress of Medical Sciences (ISCOMS). With this new international focus, the congress opened its doors to students and visitors from across the globe.
Also, the Post Congress Tour (PCT) was introduced, during which participants visited the picturesque island ‘Schiermonnikoog’, located off the northern coast of Groningen.
2005:
12th edition of ISCOMS
In 2005, the congress grew from two to three days to provide more space for workshops and greater academic exchange. That year also saw the introduction of the ISCOMS Research Fellowships (IRF), which are still taking place today. This initiative allowed international participants to undertake short research internships within various UMCG research groups in the weeks following the congress. The fellowships proved highly successful, with several participants eventually embarking on PhD programmes as a direct result of their experiences.
2006:
13th edition of ISCOMS
In 2006, ISCOMS broadened its scope by integrating dentistry into the programme, welcoming both students and researchers from the field. The growing scale of the congress was also reflected in a move to a larger office space, improving the working environment for the Organising Committee.
That year also marked the introduction of official board grants for ISCOMS’ daily board members, recognising their efforts. In addition, ISCOMS launched a new independent website, replacing the former faculty-linked page and significantly improving its international visibility.
The ISCOMS Research Fellowships, launched the previous year, saw 17 students participate in 12 UMCG research projects. Two students progressed into PhD trajectories at the UMCG, underlining the fellowships’ success in fostering academic careers.
2007:
14th edition of ISCOMS
In 2007, participation in the congress was expanded to biomedical sciences students, making it the first edition open to all (bio)medical students. Contact was made with the first Nobel laureate, who confirmed attendance for ISCOMS 2008. On an international level, a network was strengthened with other student congresses and the Network of European Medical Student Congresses (NEMSC). Due to the expansion of the programme, social events took place over three evenings, including the introduction of World Wide ISCOMS Night, offering a great opportunity for cultural exchange.
2008:
15th edition of ISCOMS
First Nobel Laureate Günter Blobel, from Rockefeller University New York had been welcomed as keynote speaker.
2009:
16th edition of ISCOMS
Following the success of the first keynote speaker in 2008, not one but two Nobel laureates were invited to speak at ISCOMS 2009. A successful effort was made to raise the quality of submitted abstracts, as well as the quality of posters and presentations. That year, the board was expanded with the introduction of a treasurer and the establishment of the fundraising committee, to better oversee the growing budget, sponsorship opportunities and payments.
2010:
17th edition of ISCOMS
In 2010, the Organising Committee had grown to nearly 30 students. When participants arrived in Groningen, they were greeted at the train station by one of the crew members, and timetables were still printed on paper. However, smartphones were beginning to make their way into everyday life, and platforms such as Facebook were starting to be discovered. This opened new opportunities to stay connected with the many international friends made during the congress.
That year, the logo was redesigned and the slogan ‘science beyond borders’ was introduced. ISCOMS had the privilege of welcoming Professor Hans Clevers MD, PhD, who shared his groundbreaking research on stem cells, perfectly in line with the special theme of Healthy Ageing.
2011:
18th edition of ISCOMS
In 2011, ISCOMS introduced several new elements that would shape its future editions. For the first time, the pre-course was introduced, providing participants with additional academic preparation ahead of the main congress. That year also saw the first-ever debate session replace one of the traditional keynote lectures, offering a more interactive format for discussing major scientific topics. The scientific prestige of ISCOMS reached new heights with the presence of two Nobel Laureates, including one who had been scheduled for 2009 but was unable to attend at the time. On the digital front, ISCOMS launched its very own mobile app, enhancing the participant experience with easy access to schedules and updates. To boost visibility, the team produced a new promotional film, which was even featured on Pauw & Witteman, a well-known Dutch television programme, bringing ISCOMS to a broader national audience.
2012:
19th edition of ISCOMS
After the introduction of the ISCOMS app in 2011, it continued to be developed and improved. That same year, the ISCOMS feedback system was launched. This allowed the Organising Committee to provide feedback to participants whose abstracts were not accepted for presentation, offering them the opportunity to improve their work and supporting their academic development. The scientific programme featured a lecture by renowned neuroscientist Professor Dick Swaab, adding further depth to the congress.
2014:
21st edition of ISCOMS
The congress continued to grow, highlighting its international reach and academic quality. In 2014, over 750 abstracts were submitted from 59 countries, with 550 students from 45 nations coming together in Groningen to share and celebrate student-led research. The keynote programme featured renowned scientists such as Albert van den Berg and Nobel Laureate Professor Ada Yonath, continuing the ISCOMS tradition of welcoming world-class speakers. Over the years, it has become something of a hallmark for ISCOMS to host a Nobel Prize winner almost every edition, reflecting the congress’s growing reputation within the academic community. In a moment of last-minute improvisation, Joris Rotmans stepped in as a keynote speaker after a cancellation just one day before the event, underlining the flexibility of the Organising Committee of 2014 under pressure.
2015:
22nd edition of ISCOMS
ISCOMS 2015 included several highlights, notably the Formal Dinner in the historic ‘Academiegebouw’. It was the first and only time the event was held there, making it a unique experience. A standout moment in the scientific programme was the live Caesarean section surgery, giving participants a rare chance to observe a real procedure. The week ended with a post-congress tour to Volendam, where attendees explored this iconic Dutch village.
2016:
23rd edition of ISCOMS
During ISCOMS 2016, several new elements were introduced that would shape the future of the congress. One of the most significant changes was the approval from the board to add a full third day to the congress starting in 2018. Previously, there had been a pre-course day on Tuesday, followed by two congress days on Wednesday and Thursday. This expansion marked a new era for ISCOMS, offering more opportunities for learning and interaction. Also, the now-iconic ISCOMS letters in the plenary hall were introduced, a feature that became a trademark of the congress. Alongside, the logo was renewed into the logo that we still use today. Of you can still see today.
2017:
24th edition of ISCOMS
In preparation for ISCOMS 2017, the Organising Committee focused on implementing the newly designed logo and adapting the visual identity across all materials. With sustainability in mind, the designs were made timeless for reuse in future editions. A standout moment was the first interactive surgery, where Prof. Esther Consten MD PhD introduced participants to the world of robotic surgery through 3D glasses. Another milestone was the keynote lecture by Groningen’s own Nobel Laureate, Professor Ben Feringa. The Organising Committee also joined the Nacht van Groningen city run, raising funds for the UMCG Cancer Research Fund. This has become a yearly tradition that continues today.
2018:
25th edition of ISCOMS
ISCOMS expanded to three full congress days, allowing for more keynote lectures, workshops and innovative sessions. The structure introduced then is still in place today: a Welcome Night on Sunday, followed by a pre-course day on Monday, three congress days from Tuesday to Thursday, and the post-congress tour on Friday. This format offers participants from around the world a complete experience in Groningen. The 25th edition of the congress, attendees had the opportunity to join inspiring keynote lectures by renowned speakers such as Prof. Ugur Sahin MD PhD and Prof. Dick Swaab MD PhD, adding to the academic depth of the programme.
2019:
26th edition of ISCOMS
The 26th edition of ISCOMS followed the same structure as in 2018. Sustainability was a key focus throughout the event. Several eco-conscious changes were introduced, such as more environmentally friendly delegate bags and the replacement of the traditional hardcover Book of Abstracts with a digital version, accessible via QR code and the ISCOMS app. These steps not only reduced our environmental footprint but also modernised the conference experience. ISCOMS 2019 was a memorable edition, marked by scientific discovery, innovation and a growing commitment to making a positive impact, both academically and environmentally.
2021:
28th edition of ISCOMS
ISCOMS 2021 took place during the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant we had to adapt and digitise as much of the congress as possible. Throughout the year, preparations were made for both a physical and a digital or hybrid edition. The board remained in close contact with the UMCG infection prevention team and drafted a detailed plan on how to safely organise a digital congress. Unfortunately, they ultimately had to make the decision to host the congress entirely online.
Despite the challenges, ISCOMS did not stop innovating. The website was completely redesigned, and its signature layout is still in use today. A new digital platform, “Let’s Get Digital,” was introduced, offering participants a virtual world to explore and interact. This included a virtual poster session, created in collaboration with VR Owl, allowing us to bring the usual interactive element of the congress into the digital space. In addition, the IMED Talks were launched, adding a new feature to the scientific programme.
Most of the organisation took place through digital meetings, with small groups of board members connecting via Zoom to maintain communication and a sense of teamwork despite the distance. Although the format of ISCOMS 2021 was not what we had originally envisioned, it became a successful and memorable edition, marked by innovation, flexibility and a shared commitment to delivering a meaningful experience for all involved.
2022:
29th edition of ISCOMS
The organisation of ISCOMS 2022 was marked by ongoing uncertainty about whether an in-person congress would be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few months before the event, confirmation was received that an in-person edition could take place again for the first time in several years.
That year also introduced the first-ever hybrid edition of ISCOMS, with sessions accessible both on-site and online. This approach allowed for greater flexibility and broader participation. The structure of the organisation evolved as well, with the committee expanding to 32 students and responsibilities being redefined to support the congress’s continued growth.
In addition, the “Corporate Member Meeting” was introduced by the Sponsors & Fundraising Committee, an initiative aimed at generating further support for the congress. ISCOMS 2022 was a rewarding moment to see the congress return to its physical form and to welcome participants back to Groningen.
2023:
30th edition of ISCOMS
The 30th edition of ISCOMS was centred around the theme ‘Hi-Tech Health’. Highlighting technological advancements in the (bio)medical field. Prof. Samuel Achilefu presented his ground-breaking invention of the ‘Cancer Vision Goggles’, enabling surgeons to see cancer cells during surgery, and an endometriosis removal was performed using the Da Vinci robot. Keynote speakers included Prof. Robert Langer, co-founder of Moderna, and flight surgeon Mayrbitt Kuypers. Furthermore, sustainability was a key focus with the introduction of the Sustainability Stand, encouraging participants to bring their own bags to collect congress gadgets. This initiative aimed to reduce waste and promote environmental awareness.
To celebrate the 30th anniversary, a gala was held for one hundred former committee members. On the final congress day, Kees Poelstra acted as daychair. Together with fellow ISCOMS founder Eric Maarsingh, he returned to present the Founder’s Award, marking a memorable conclusion to a special edition.
2024:
31st edition of ISCOMS
The 31st edition of ISCOMS, focused on the theme ‘Future Medicine’, representing innovative and forward-thinking approaches to healthcare that integrate cutting-edge technology, personalised treatments, and advancements in biomedical research.
For the first time in ISCOMS history, daily themes were introduced, each highlighting specific aspects of the main theme. They were integrated throughout the scientific programme, reflected in the day chairs, keynote lectures, and workshops. Additionally, the themes were visually represented at the Fountain Patio, where participants could easily recognise them by their unique logos. This year’s congress also features a main theme and four daily themes, continuing the tradition.
The keynote lectures were well-aligned with the daily themes. Professor Mihaela van der Schaar PhD, and Professor Anne Schwerk PhD, presented lectures within the AI theme, focusing on Machine Learning and Personalised Medicine. We also had the honour of welcoming Professor Yuk Ming Dennis Lo MD PhD, who discussed his groundbreaking discovery of the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT). Nobel laureate Professor Brian Kobilka MD PhD, enlightened us with valuable insights into G-protein-coupled receptors, perfectly fitting the Molecular Mysteries theme. Meanwhile, Professor Mukesh Kapila MD PhD CBE, addressed Planetary Health, discussing the prevention and management of mass atrocities and the critical role of humanitarians and healthcare professionals in such situations. A new addition to ISCOMS 2024 was Meet the Expert, providing participants with the unique opportunity to talk and meet the keynote speakers in an informal setting.
Beyond the scientific programme, where student sessions offered a platform for participants to exchange biomedical knowledge and present their research, the congress also encouraged connections through its social programme, enabling participants to network with students from around the world in a relaxed setting.