Organising Committee

The Organising Committee of ISCOMS 2025 was composed of 34 (bio)medical students from Groningen. Each student was responsible for a specific aspect of the congress’s planning and execution. Throughout the year, the team worked together to ensure an engaging and well-organised congress. We were excited to see that the participants enjoyed ISCOMS 2025!

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

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

The secretary, Philip de Knijff, acted as the organisation’s primary contact person. Throughout the year, he worked closely with the president. In addition, he was responsible for all registrations, both online and during the congress. He managed the registration desk and was happy to welcome participants.

The treasurer, Loek de Esch, was responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the congress. In this role, he managed both incoming and outgoing funds and was tasked with preparing and maintaining the congress’s budget estimates.

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

We hope everyone enjoyed ISCOMS 2025!

The Scientific Programme Committee consisted of six young and enthusiastic (bio)medical students. It was their responsibility to organise the scientific part of ISCOMS 2025. They were in charge of the keynote lectures, workshops, pre-course, interactive operation, patient lecture and the ISCOMS Research Fellowships (IRF). Their aim was to make the scientific programme of ISCOMS engaging and diverse. In addition, they supervised the abstract selection and ensured that students could present their research in a plenary, oral or poster session.

During the pre-course, participants had 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 provided insights into the research possibilities in Groningen during ‘Your Future at the UMCG’.

Spread across the three congress days, five internationally well-established researchers shared their knowledge and experiences through keynote lectures. There were also many exciting workshops, ranging from hands-on activities to patient demonstrations and interactive sessions on societal issues. Participants had the opportunity to attend an interactive operation. So even those not yet familiar with research could 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 organised the two-week ISCOMS Research Fellowships. These short internships took place directly after the congress, offering participants the chance to connect with researchers at the UMCG.

We were convinced that ISCOMS was 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 thoroughly enjoyed creating a challenging and diverse scientific programme for ISCOMS 2025!

ISCOMS could not have taken place without its financial funding. The Sponsors & Fundraising Committee was responsible for securing these financial resources. This committee consisted of six enthusiastic and dedicated students who were committed to making the congress financially possible. Their focus was to establish strong partnerships with companies by reaching out to potential sponsors and providing them with detailed information about the opportunities ISCOMS offered.

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

The wide range of sponsorship options made ISCOMS appealing to both large and small companies, offering them the chance to increase brand awareness and create new business opportunities. Sponsors benefited 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 applied for various funds to further support the congress. One committee member worked closely with the treasurer to manage the event’s financial matters, while another was responsible for organising an exclusive corporate member dinner at one of Groningen’s finest restaurants. The committee also oversaw journal subscriptions, which were awarded as prizes to participants presenting at the congress.

The International Contacts Committee managed the global aspects of ISCOMS. Its primary responsibilities included promoting the congress worldwide and assisting participants with registration issues or other challenges as they prepared for ISCOMS 2025.

To promote the congress internationally, we engaged 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, supported 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 handled all incoming enquiries from students interested in submitting an abstract or seeking further information about ISCOMS. We supported students with visa applications through communication with embassies, and we were responsible for managing the ISCOMS Travel Grants for those requiring financial assistance to attend the congress.

We were always eager to establish new international connections and welcomed contact from anyone interested in helping to promote ISCOMS 2025. Those who felt they could contribute were encouraged to contact us at iscoms@umcg.nl. For any other questions related to promotion, visas, ambassadors, Travel Grants or other matters, we were happy to help.

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

When participants came to Groningen, they needed a place to stay. In addition to providing discounts on various hotels and hostels in the city, the Hosting & Logistics Committee offered a cheap and enjoyable alternative. With the ‘Housing Hub’ option, participants stayed in a typical Dutch student house. Not only was this more affordable than a hotel, it also gave participants the opportunity to socialise with local students and experience how they lived.

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

The Hosting & Logistics Committee organised 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 dressed in traditional or classical attire representing their country, coming together to celebrate the amazing week they had shared. On the Friday following the congress, the Post Congress Tour took place. During this day, participants explored another Dutch city, enjoying a mix of activities and opportunities for relaxation.

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

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

Their main task was 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 composed and designed the Book of Abstracts, which was made available to all participants after the congress. This book contained information about the congress and the people involved, along with all abstracts of the participants who presented their research at ISCOMS 2025. Finally, the committee managed the social media presence of ISCOMS, including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

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

Sustainability was an essential concept at ISCOMS. The Research & Development Committee worked to minimise the environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices throughout the conference. The committee was also responsible for the website and the ISCOMS app. Each year, they updated and improved the layout while ensuring participants received accurate information and the latest updates.

In addition, the Organising Committee supports a charity each year. For ISCOMS 2025, over €10,000 had already been raised for ‘Vrienden Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis’, supporting the care and well-being of children with severe health conditions at the UMCG’s Children’s Hospital. The Research & Development Committee organised 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 fostered 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. Paul de Vos PhD

Full professor immunoendocrinology at the University of Groningen

Advisor since 2009

Robert A. Pol MD PhD

Vascular and transplant surgeon at the UMCG

Advisor since 2018

Prof. Matijs van Meurs MD PhD

Intensivist at the UMCG

Advisor since 2016

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!