ISCOMS 2026

The pre-course aims to enhance participants’ research skills. With practical, hands-on masterclasses and insightful lectures participants will push their boundaries, explore the unknown, and stimulate their curiosity.

The first day of the congress focuses on artificial intelligence, groundbreaking techniques and innovations within the biomedical world. We live in a time when innovations are progressing faster than ever, and AI is rapidly emerging. On this day, we aim to introduce participants to these innovations, while also encouraging them to consider how humans and technology can collaborate in the most optimal way.

The second day of the congress focuses on molecular biology, pharmacology, and biomedical research. The day will delve into what happens at the molecular level and how we can apply this knowledge in practice. With a deeper understanding of these underlying processes, scientists and doctors can develop more targeted treatments, design medications, and enable innovative therapies. 

On the third and final day of the congress, the aim is to focus on global health and equality in healthcare. There remains a significant global disparity in access to healthcare. Whether it concerns abundant or limited resources, or the differences in healthcare and research between men and women, not everyone is still afforded the same opportunity for good health. We strive for a world where every patient, regardless of their background, gender, or place of birth, has equal access to high-quality care, prevention, and treatment.

As ISCOMS, we aim to contribute to a sustainable world where no one is excluded.

Full Professor Cellular and Molecular Lung Pathology, Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, UMCG

Professor Heijink is a cell/molecular biologist recognised for her extensive experience in mucosal immunology and patient-specific culture models for respiratory disease. She was trained at the University of Groningen as Medical Biologist and received her PhD degree on T cell dysregulation in asthma in 2004 at the Faculty of Medical Sciences. As a postdoc, she continued her line of research on the interaction between epithelial cells and T cells, other cell types and environmental exposures in various lung diseases, including COPD. After a post-doctoral study on epithelial cell biology at the St. Micheal’s Hospital in Toronto, she moved back to the University Medical Centre Groningen (UMCG) within the translational and multidisciplinary research Institute of Asthma and COPD (GRIAC), where she entered a Talent Track. Since 2013, she is heading the Experimental Pulmonology and Inflammation Research (EXPIRE) lab at the departments of Pathology & Medical Biology and Pulmonary Diseases (UMCG). Since 2023, she is a full professor. She is currently programme leader of GRIAC and Head of the European Respiratory Society (ERS) Assembly Basic and Translational Sciences. She leads various research consortia supported by funding of e.g. the Dutch Lung Foundation-Health~Holland, ZonMW-Open and NWO Perspective programmes, and is co-founder of the large national consortium P4O2 – precision medicine for more oxygen.

The research of Professor Heijink and her team focuses on the role of the respiratory epithelium in the pathogenesis of lung diseases, using advanced in vitro models, including organoids and lab-on-chip. The main goal is to translate the findings into the clinic and to develop a novel strategy to halt or even reverse the damaged mucosal barrier in the lungs and stimulate epithelial barrier regeneration.

Wiro Niessen is Dean of the Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Groningen, and board member of University Medical Center Groningen since February 2023. He is also a professor in AI in medical imaging and health. He has a background in physics and medical imaging, obtaining his MSc and PhD at Utrecht University. Part of this MSc/PhD trajectory was carried out at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and Yale University, respectively. He previously worked at Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, and Delft University of Technology, leading a large research group on biomedical image analysis.

His research interests are in the development, validation and responsible implementation of AI in health. In this domain, he has primarily worked in the field of medical imaging, imaging genetics and computer-aided interventions. He supervised more than 60 PhD students in these fields. In 2023, he was named most influential researcher in Radiology in Europe by AuntMinnie. Wiro Niessen is fellow and, from 2016-2019 was president of the MICCAI Society, the premier international society in medical image computing and computer-assisted interventions.

From 2020-2023, Wiro Niessen was CTO and board member of Health-RI, an initiative which aims to develop a national health data infrastructure for reuse of data for research and innovation; Health RI received a 69 MEuro Innovation grant from the Dutch government in 2021. In 2015 he received the Simon Stevin award, the largest prize in Applied Sciences in the Netherlands. In 2005 he was elected to the Dutch Young Academy and in 2017 he was elected to the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2023 he was elected to the Netherlands Academy of Engineering.

In 2012 Wiro Niessen founded Quantib, an AI company in medical imaging, where he acted as scientific lead until 2022. Quantib currently employs about 50, and has multiple FDA approved products in MR brain image analysis, and MR prostate image analysis. In January 2022 Quantib was acquired by Rad Net, the largest provider of outpatient radiological imaging services in the US.

Consultant Internal Medicine, specialised in Acute Medicine and Pharmacology

Hjalmar Bouma is a physician-researcher with a strong dedication to improving the lives of acutely ill patients through research. He received his MD and PhD with honors and specialised in internist-acute medicine, with additional training in experimental and clinical pharmacology and immunology. During his PhD research, conducted in collaboration with Heidelberg University (Germany), the National Institutes of Health (Bethesda, USA), the University of Wisconsin (USA), and the University of Aberdeen (Scotland), he focused on the effects of metabolic stress induced by acute illness on the immune system, with relevance to acute kidney injury (AKI) and studied protective mechanisms of hibernating animals. His training provides him with extensive knowledge to successfully translate fundamental findings on the molecular mechanisms of disease into drug development.

His current work consists of caring for acutely ill patients at the Emergency Department (ED), including the coordination of the flow of patients at the ED to maintain acute care capacity. He is the course director of the Clinical Pharmacology training program. He also leads a translational research line dedicated to improving outcomes for patients with sepsis by improving recognition of early sepsis and developing personalised medicine. To learn from individual differences in early sepsis, clinical data, and biomaterials from thousands of acutely ill patients per year are collected by the Acute lines data-biobank that facilitates the identification of (risk) markers predictive of response to therapy. Biomarkers associated with clinical outcomes in patients are further dissected in pre-clinical models to identify novel therapeutic targets. He is fascinated by hibernation: specific adaptations render the animals resistant to metabolic stress, which can serve as a blueprint for developing new therapies and has already resulted in a patented drug for sepsis. His research group is a dynamic blend of (technical) clinicians and experts in data and life sciences. He is a board member of the Dutch Sepsis Foundation (SepsisNet) and associate editor of Frontiers in Nephrology.

Reflecting on his journey, Prof. Bouma shares what continues to inspire his passion for science and collaboration:

“Throughout my career, I have been intrigued by the molecular aspects of life and exploring the mechanisms that underlie human disease by fundamental and translational research. Already during my study in Medicine, I became involved in scientific research. Brainstorming about biomedical challenges with smart, dedicated, and creative people from different backgrounds is something that gives me a lot of energy. ISCOMS has contributed to my career at its early stage by allowing me to interact with peers and provide a lot of inspiration for my research!”

Professor Stienstra (she/her), affiliated with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, UK, and the University Medical Centre Groningen, is an internist/infectious diseases consultant and clinical epidemiologist with over 20 years of experience in clinical and public health research. Her research focuses on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs), which affect more than one billion people globally. Her current research includes a randomised clinical trial investigating the efficacy of the promising new drug Telacebec for the treatment of Buruli ulcer and leprosy in Ghana, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, and Ethiopia.

Snakebite envenoming, the most lethal yet only recently recognised NTD, predominantly impacts rural populations in low- and middle-income countries. Professor Stienstra co-leads the African Snakebite Alliance in collaboration with scientists from Kenya, Eswatini, Rwanda, Malawi, and Ghana. This Alliance studies the burden of snakebite envenoming in communities, identifies hotspots through geospatial modelling, and examines long-term consequences. Additionally, she is involved in research developing interventions to prevent and manage snakebite envenoming.

Marco Versluis is a gynaecologist, teacher and researcher in medical education with a passion for healthcare and health equity. His focus is on interprofessional education (IPE) as a means to address the Human Resource Crisis (HRC) that is threatening health equity, locally and worldwide. By evidence informed implementation of IPE we can better prepare healthcare workers for future, interprofessional practice. Conversely, by investigating implementation of IPE we can gain a better understanding of IPE.

In addition to implementation of IPE, his research aims to unravel how IPE can bridge differences in interprofessional culture by equipping students with the skills and attitudes to overcome the power differences that obstruct patient care and job satisfaction of professionals. The research mainly uses qualitative approaches. Marco Versluis is leading the research group on IPE within LEARN, the Lifelong Learning, Education and Assessment Research Network in the UMCG.

Prof. J. Marc C. van Dijk MD PhD is professor and chair of the department of Neurosurgery at the University Medical Center Groningen. His main surgical specialties are Neurovascular Surgery, Skull Base Surgery and Neuromodulation. Marc started his neurosurgical training in Leiden. After graduation, he was selected to do a prestigious clinical and research fellowship in Toronto, Canada. As such, he had the opportunity to work closely with world-leading neurovascular specialists Pierre Lasjaunias, Karel Ter Brugge and Chris Wallace. During his Toronto experience, Marc was intrigued by dural AV-fistulas, a rare and peculiar neurovascular disorder, and published several hallmark papers that ultimately resulted in a PhD-thesis. Back in the Netherlands, Marc was appointed clinical director in the Leiden University Medical Center. Despite this demanding position, he managed to obtain an additional master’s degree (MSc) in neurovascular diseases at the Université de Paris-Sud.

In 2006, Marc was invited to join the neurosurgical staff in the University Medical Center Groningen. This appointment offered him a unique opportunity to expand his teaching experience on a European level through the EANS platform, and to learn the fine arts of neuromodulation. Because of his multifaceted academic profile, Marc was offered a talent-track position that resulted in the appointment as a university professor with focus on surgery of the aging brain. In addition to its close connection with the University of Groningen’s ‘Healthy Ageing’ motto, the focus on the ageing brain offers a unique opportunity to combine the strengths of multiple academic disciplines, moving beyond traditional monodisciplinary research.

Prof. Barbara Horváth MD PhD is a dermatologist and the Chair of the department of Dermatology at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) since 2019. She is also the head of the Center of Expertise for Blistering Diseases, a nationally (NFU) and internationally (ERN-SKIN) recognised center of excellence within the Netherlands.

Prof. Horváth completed her medical training at Semmelweis University in Budapest, Hungary, where she also pursued her PhD in the department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology. In 2008, she joined the UMCG as a staff member in the department of Dermatology. Between 2012 and 2021, she led the national residency training programme in dermatology in the Netherlands.

Her primary areas of expertise and research focus on autoimmune blistering diseases (AIBDs), with a particular emphasis on the pathomechanisms and emerging therapies for pemphigus and pemphigoid disorders. In addition, she conducts clinical, epidemiological, and translational research on hidradenitis suppurativa (HS).

Prof. Horváth is an active member of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) task forces on Autoimmune Blistering Diseases. Furthermore, she also serves on the board of the European Reference Network on rare diseases.

In the academic publishing realm, Prof. Horváth is an associate editor of the British Journal of Dermatology and has contributed extensively to the field through numerous peer-reviewed articles and book chapters. She is also the editor of the textbook Autoimmune Bullous Disease.

Professor of Experimental Vascular Pathology within the Department of Pathology & Medical Biology at the UMCG

Professor Dr. J.L. (Jan-Luuk) Hillebrands is a biomedical scientist and professor of Experimental Vascular Pathology at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG). He began his academic journey studying Biomedical Sciences at the University of Groningen, where he earned his PhD cum laude in 2001. His doctoral research focused on understanding the pathogenetic mechanisms behind transplant vasculopathy, a condition affecting blood vessels in transplanted organs. After completing his PhD, Professor Hillebrands continued his research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the USA. There, he investigated regulatory T-cell subsets in autoimmune diabetes, gaining valuable insights into immune regulation in autoimmunity.

Currently, Professor Hillebrands’ research is dedicated to exploring cardiovascular diseases, particularly atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, within the context of chronic kidney disease. He is also intrigued by the mechanisms of chronic tissue remodeling following kidney transplantation and in improving donor kidney quality to enhance transplantation outcomes. His expertise encompasses tissue remodeling processes, with a focus on the phenotypic modulation of vascular smooth muscle cells and endothelial cell biology. He utilises various experimental approaches, such as in vitro cell models, ex vivo organ perfusion models, and in vivo models, to advance translational research.

Beyond his research, Professor Hillebrands is passionate about education. He teaches basic histology in the medical curriculum at the University of Groningen and has developed innovative e-learning modules featuring virtual microscopy for histology classes. He has co-edited the Dutch histology textbook ’Functionele histologie’ and is actively involved in mentoring young researchers and PhD students.

Professor Hillebrands’ work aims to unravel the complexities of vascular and kidney disease, with the goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets and offering hope for preventive treatments.

PhD Candidate | Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

Pepijn van der Aa earned his medical degree from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in 2021 and is currently pursuing a PhD within the department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. Alongside his research, he is undertaking a fast-track Dentistry program as part of his preparation for the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery residency at the University of Groningen.

His doctoral research focuses on identifying clinical and biological subgroups of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). With a particular interest in prognostic biomarkers, he collaborates closely with specialists from the department of Pathology and Medical Biology to gain deeper insights into patient outcomes. By integrating clinical expertise with molecular research, his team strives to develop personalised treatment and follow-up strategies for OSCC patients.
Pepijn’s work showcases dedication to enhancing molecular knowledge of OSCC, thereby bridging the gap between research and clinical practice.

Based on his own experience, Pepijn emphasises the value of sharing ideas and connecting with fellow researchers early on:

“As a former ISCOMS board member (2018), I experienced firsthand how sharing (bio)medical knowledge and connecting with peers worldwide can be transformative. This conference proved that science can kickstart anyone’s career by collaborating with motivated people. So, I encourage all participants to engage, exchange ideas and inspire your fellow students.”

Julia Bakker is a fifth-year medical student at the University of Groningen, currently completing her clinical internships at the Isala Hospital in Zwolle. ISCOMS sparked her enthusiasm for research, which she is excited to share as she will pursue a PhD at the Department of Internal Medicine alongside her medical degree.

As president of ISCOMS 2023, she is honoured to be part of the jury for the 32nd edition this year. ISCOMS has always been a place where scientific curiosity and ambition come together. But it is more than just science: it offers an environment where students from all over the world connect, share experiences, and have fun together. These international friendships and shared moments are what make ISCOMS truly unforgettable.

Over the years, ISCOMS has grown into one of the leading student congresses in biomedical sciences. Julia is proud to see how the organising committee has once again put together a fantastic programme.

She is convinced that students can make a real impact in science by connecting with each other and exchanging ideas. ISCOMS provides the perfect platform for this. It is her hope that this congress will inspire, challenge, and encourage students to further explore their scientific passions!

Expert Advisor World Health Organisation

EmProf. Cees Th. Smit Sibinga is a clinical haematologist and specialist of transfusion medicine. He is a special professor of International Development of Transfusion Medicine at the University of Groningen. He has been involved in the development of transfusion medicine, quality systems and management for developing economies since 1980 through his work with the World Health Organization (WHO). At the WHO, he served as the regional coordinator of the Global Quality Management Project for the European region. For 25 years he has served as the Managing Director of Sanquin Division Blood Bank North Netherlands in Groningen. From 1993 until 2005 the Blood Bank incorporated the WHO Collaborating Center for Blood Transfusion and the WFH International Hemophilia Training Center in Groningen.

EmProf. Cees Th. Smit Sibinga is the founder of the Dutch Blood Bank Inspection and the Accreditation Program and the Hemovigilance system. Besides, he is the founder of the Academic Institute for International Development of Transfusion Medicine at the UMCG. This institute used to provide a post-academic Master’s in Management of Transfusion Medicine, which is now part of the Master’s programme of the University of Groningen Graduate School of Medical Sciences. EmProf. Smit Sibinga is still deeply involved in transfusion medicine and related health sciences research focused on developing countries. He serves the WHO Eastern Mediterranean Region as a Lead Technical Adviser in their Strategic Framework for Blood Safety and Availability 2016-2025 and its priority interventions.

Professor Dr. C.J.C. (Claudine) Lamoth is Professor of Movement Analysis and Smart Technology in Aging at the Department of Human Movement Sciences of the UMCG. She studied movement sciences at VU University, Amsterdam and earned her doctorate in 2004 for her research on walking with low back pain. Her research applied methods from dynamical systems theory—coordination dynamics—to quantify coherent and variable patterns in kinematic and electromyographic signals that reflect movement coordination and its stable and adaptive features. She employed methods from nonlinear dynamics and pattern recognition techniques to extract relevant features from whole-body movement recordings, revealing the interactions between factors causing movement decline in people with various pathologies and in the aging population.

Since 2008, Professor Lamoth has been employed at the UMCG’s Department of Human Movement Sciences. Her research focuses on understanding gait, postural control, and physical activity in age- and lifestyle-related diseases. Lamoth’s interdisciplinary approach combines dynamical systems theory, biomechanics, behavioral sciences, and data sciences. She collaborates with medical departments, biomedical technology experts, data scientists, industry partners, and artists on projects aimed at preventing health decline, achieving more healthy years, and maintaining quality of life for aging citizens and patients through personalized interventions and early risk detection. Her work features innovative wearable sensor technology to capture movement, physiological, and behavioral data over extended periods, along with AI/data science methods. This research involves co-developing, testing, and validating sensing and monitoring technology and algorithms that assess, remotely monitor, and provide personalized services to individuals in their natural home environment.