ISCOMS 2024 kicked off on Monday, 3rd of June 2024, with a Pre-course day focused on enhancing research skills. Participants engaged in hands-on masterclasses and attended lectures to strengthen their research skills.
The official opening of the congress took place on Tuesday, 4th of June, chaired by Prof. Wiro Niessen. The theme for the day, ‘Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe?’, was explored through keynote lectures delivered by Prof. Mihaela van der Schaar and Prof. Anne Schwerk. Selected participants had the opportunity to present their research through oral or poster presentations. The day concluded with a formal dinner at the historic Prinsenhof in Groningen.
On Wednesday, 5th of June, the congress focused on the theme ‘Molecular Mysteries’. Prof. Marthe Walvoort served as chair for the day. The day started with a keynote lecture from Prof. Dennis Lo Yuk Ming, followed by a live surgery demonstrating the removal of a vestibular schwannoma. The day culminated with a lecture by Nobel laureate Prof. Brian Kobilka. The evening concluded with a range of social and recreational activities, including a boat tour, laser gaming, and a yoga workshop.
The final day of ISCOMS, Thursday, 6th of June, was opened by Prof. Mukesh Kapila, with Prof. Marie-José van Tol serving as chair. The theme of the day, ‘Planetary Health’, was explored through various presentations, including a special patient lecture in collaboration with Project MARCH, where a patient shared his experiences using an exoskeleton. The congress concluded with a closing ceremony, followed by the ‘Worldwide ISCOMS Night’ celebration in the Groningen city centre.