International Student Congress Of (bio)Medical Sciences

The International Student Congress Of (bio)Medical Sciences, also known as ISCOMS, is an annually held student congress on biomedical sciences. The primary aim of ISCOMS is getting medical students acquainted with research and its many elements. 552 participants from 64 countries attended the 30th edition of ISCOMS in 2023. The 31st edition of ISCOMS will take place from 3–6 June 2024 and the abstract submission is open until Januari 21.

History
ISCOMS started as a congress for medical students in Groningen, named "Studenten Congres Geneeskunde". In 2003, the Student Congres Geneeskunde changed to an international congress with the name International Student Congress of Medicine. In 2004 the name was changed to ISCOMS. In 2010, the name was changed to the International Student Congress Of (bio)Medical Sciences, to show that it is a congress for students in all biomedical fields.

Location
ISCOMS takes place at the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) in the Netherlands. It is one of the largest hospitals in the world, offering supraregional tertiary care to the northern part of the Netherlands. The medical center employs almost 17.000 people, numbers almost 1.400 beds and is affiliated with the University of Groningen.

Congress structure
The congress is for (bio)medical students who are interested in research. Students may be either presenting or non-presenting participants. If a participant wants to present their research, they are required to submit their abstract beforehand. A strict selection procedure takes place and only the best students are invited to present their research at ISCOMS. Nonetheless, everybody is welcome to ISCOMS to see the keynote speakers and to participate in workshops.

When accepted, participants are divided into different sessions in which they present their research. This may be either through a poster presentation, or an oral presentation where students can present their research using a slideshow presentation. In both sessions other students and professionals from the UMCG listen and discuss the research. Thirdly, there is a plenary session: the eight best abstracts will be presented in the primary lecture hall of the UMCG.

The congress also holds pre-course masterclasses about research skills, and a great variety of workshops during the congress days on practical skills. Besides that, ISCOMS offers keynote lectures from renowned scientists presenting their research to the participants.

Moreover, ISCOMS offers an extensive social programme, where all the participants have the opportunity to get to know each other and the ISCOMS organising committees. Finally, there is a post-congress tour visiting parts of the Netherlands.

Nobel Prize laureates at ISCOMS
Nobel Prize laureates who have given a keynote lecture during one of the previous ISCOMS editions.

This year's theme
This year's theme is "Future Medicine", where every day is dedicated to a unique theme within “Future Medicine. From the inclusive ethos of "Inclusive Health", to unraveling the mysteries within life's building blocks in "Molecular Mysteries", and exploring the convergence of technology and healthcare in "Artificial Intelligence: Friend or Foe", to recognizing the connection of human well-being and the planet in "Planetary Health", each day promises a comprehensive exploration. The themes will be present in the noteworthy speakers, engaging workshops and visual appeal. "Future Medicine" isn't just a theme; it's a guiding principle shaping a dynamic and insightful experience at ISCOMS 2024.

Organisational structure
The organisation of ISCOMS consists of (bio)medical students from the University of Groningen. There are nine Executive Board members and 24 committee members. Committees include the Scientific Programme, Sponsors and Fundraising, International Contacts, Hosting and Logistics, Media and Branding and Research and Development.

ISCOMS Research Fellowships (IRF)
ISCOMS is more than just a congress; it also incorporates several different projects. The ISCOMS Research Fellowships (IRF) is such a project and is unique in Europe and has become an integral part of the experience. It provides a starting point for students to pursue a career in medical sciences, broaden their scientific network, increase the range of their knowledge and amplify their experience with research by giving 25 enthusiastic and talented students the opportunity to join a research group in the University Medical Center Groningen. During a challenging two-week period, chosen students will work on their own individual project and for some this may transcend into a chance to conduct a long-term PhD project in Groningen.

Partners
The official partners of the ISCOMS are:
 * Leiden International Medical Student Conference (LIMSC)
 * International Federation of Medical Students' Associations the Netherlands (IFMSA-NL)
 * Zagreb International Medical Summit (ZIMS)
 * European Medical Students' Association (EMSA)
 * Asian Medical Students' Association (AMSA)
 * Young European Scientists meeting Porto (YES-meeting)
 * International Conference for Healthcare and Medical Students (ICHAMS)
 * Annual International Medical Students Lisbon (AIMS)
 * Brazilian International Congress of Medical Students (BRAINCOMS)
 * Warsaw International Medical Congress (WIMC)
 * International Congress of Medical Sciences (ICMS)
 * Croatian Student Summit Zagreb (CROSS)
 * Antwerp Medical Students’ Congress (AMSC)
 * International Biomedical Congress Sofia (IBC)