Sustainability at ISCOMS

ISCOMS provides a platform for the exchange of (bio)medical research, fostering international collaboration and innovation. By connecting students and professionals worldwide, the congress promotes the sharing of knowledge and perspectives that help advance biomedical science. In doing so, ISCOMS supports the global effort to strengthen healthcare and empowers the next generation of researchers to address health challenges across borders. Each year, the Organising Committee supports a charity, typically related to healthcare. This edition, over €10,000 has already been raised for ‘Vrienden Beatrix Kinderziekenhuis’, supporting care and well-being for children with severe health conditions at the UMCG’s Children Hospital.

ISCOMS offers (bio)medical students the opportunity to present their research for a large, international audience. Through lectures, workshops and masterclasses, participants explore scientific developments and enhance their academic and research skills.

Furthermore, the ISCOMS Research Fellowships (IRF) provide selected students with hands-on experience during a two-week research internship at the UMCG. This opportunity not only strengthens their research capabilities but also helps them explore future academic and career pathways, such as pursuing a PhD.

At ISCOMS, we place great importance on gender equality. We aim for a balanced representation of male and female speakers in our scientific programme. This is reflected in the selection of speakers and other contributors, including keynote speakers, day chairs or podcast guests. Every year, we aim to form an organising committee that reflects a diverse group of students. Additionally, we host a transgender debate to raise awareness about gender diversity, and we strive to take a proactive stance on this important issue.

Each day of the congress, the Sustainability Stand will highlight a different aspect of sustainable development within the biomedical sector. These themes reflect the UMCG’s ambition to become circular and climate neutral by 2035, demonstrating topics such as limiting unnecessary medication use, reducing single-use disposables, and increasing the adoption of recyclable products within hospital care. By showcasing these forward-thinking practices, ISCOMS aims to inspire participants to engage within a sustainable healthcare infrastructure and implement similar initiatives in their own countries.

The ISCOMS Travel Grant helps reduce international inequalities by providing financial support to students who might not otherwise have the means to attend the conference. By enabling participation from individuals across diverse economic and geographical backgrounds, the grant promotes inclusivity and equal access to academic opportunities.

Furthermore, this year’s theme ‘Harmonious Healthcare’ aims to raise awareness of global health inequalities and encourages participants to reflect on collaborative approaches towards a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system.

At ISCOMS, we actively strive for sustainable consumption and production. To reduce paper waste, we have replaced printed posters with digital boards and use the ISCOMS app for all event-related information. Throughout the year, the Organising Committee works almost entirely digitally, minimising paper use in its activities. We also serve a fully vegetarian menu with mostly locally sourced ingredients, reducing our carbon footprint and supporting a more sustainable food system.

A large part of the environmental impact associated with ISCOMS comes from travel by participants. That’s why we are committed to encouraging climate-conscious choices and raising awareness around sustainable mobility. As part of this, ISCOMS hosts a Sustainability Award supported by the ING bank to recognise and celebrate participants who demonstrate exemplary efforts in sustainable travel. Additionally, we introduced a new sustainability initiative in collaboration with Justdiggit, inviting participants to support landscape restoration projects in Kenia, Tanzania and Senegal by purchasing a water bund, helping to indirectly offset the CO₂ emissions linked to their journey to ISCOMS.

ISCOMS is entirely organised by a group of 34 (bio)medical students, operating as an independent, non-profit and non-governmental organisation. From planning to execution, all decisions are made and carried out by the student-led Organising Committee. The Advisory Board offers guidance when needed, but final responsibility remains with the students. This independent structure promotes transparency, accountability, and inclusive leadership within a scientific context. Furthermore, the theme of Congress Day 3: Global Health, Equity and Justice, highlights the importance of fair access to healthcare, ethical responsibility, and equitable resource distribution. Through lectures and discussions, we explore how these elements are essential to building stronger and more inclusive healthcare systems worldwide.

Promoting sustainability in healthcare requires collaboration and shared ambition. That’s why ISCOMS works closely with the UMCG sustainability team to strengthen our efforts and exchange ideas. Together, we aim to make sustainability a more prominent part of the congress each year, while building long-term support for sustainable development within the biomedical field. In addition, ISCOMS collaborates with other student-led organisations that promote the international exchange of biomedical knowledge. By sharing ideas and supporting each other’s initiatives, we build a strong network that fosters academic growth, global connection, and a shared commitment to advance science and healthcare.