ATTP Summer of Research 2027

The Summer of Research (SoR) is part of the Abel Tasman Talent Program of the Graduate School of Medical Sciences (GSMS), offering students from Strategic Partner universities the opportunity to visit Groningen. It aims to strengthen long-term collaboration with Partner universities—including Double and Joint PhD Degrees—by giving talented students hands-on research experience at the UMCG, participation in ISCOMS, and the chance to build connections that support future academic mobility and joint initiatives.

Summer of Research 2027

In 2027, the program consists of two components:

  • Participation in ISCOMS (7–10 June 2027)
  • A research internship at the UMCG (starting 14 June 2027)

Students may apply for one or both components.

⚠️ Very Important: Two Separate Applications

1. ISCOMS Application (to ISCOMS)

  • Students who wish to participate in ISCOMS with an abstract must submit their application directly through the ISCOMS application system.
  • GSMS has no influence on ISCOMS application procedures or selection.

2. GSMS Sponsorship Application (to GSMS)

  • Required for students who want any GSMS funding (for ISCOMS, internship, or both)
  • Involves additional steps separate from ISCOMS
  • Hard GSMS deadline:  Sunday 7 February 2027

1. ISCOMS (7-10 June 2027)

ISCOMS is one of the world’s leading (bio)medical student congresses, featuring research presentations, keynote lectures, networking opportunities, and hands-on workshops.

Students who wish to participate in ISCOMS with an abstract must apply directly via the ISCOMS application system.

Important: To submit an abstract to ISCOMS, you are required to pay €10.00 per abstract. This fee will be reimbursed by ISCOMS for students who are GSMS-sponsored and attend ISCOMS.

  • ISCOMS Abstract submission deadline: Wednesday 13 January 2027

 

GSMS sponsorship for ISCOMS

Partner-university students who submit an abstract will receive a GSMS survey link in the week of 18 January 2027. To be considered for GSMS sponsorship, students must complete the GSMS sponsorship survey by the deadline:  Sunday 7 February 2027 (hard deadline)


 

Eligibility for GSMS Sponsorship

GSMS may sponsor students who:

  • submitted an abstract to ISCOMS by Wednesday 13 January 2027
  • completed the GSMS sponsorship survey by Sunday 7 February 2026
  • are approved by their home university (if required)

Note: ISCOMS does not need to accept the abstract for the student to receive GSMS sponsorship. However, some Partner Universities may only approve student participation if the abstract has been accepted by ISCOMS.


 

For selected students, the GSMS ISCOMS sponsorship covers:

  • The ISCOMS registration fee for the ISCOMS UNIVERSAL PASS, which includes the Research Day, all congress days and social activities as well as the ISCOMS Formal Dinner  and the ISCOMS Post Congress Tour 
  • Accommodation: X (number to be confirmed) nights from dates to be confirmed soon of June. Accommodation is arranged by ISCOMS, and therefore, questions on the matter should be addressed to them directly.
  • Food: lunch and dinner on most days are included in the congress and social program. Meals not included in the ISCOMS programme are to be covered by the candidates themselves.

Not covered:

Travel; insurance and visa costs are not covered by the GSMS ISCOMS sponsorship.

2. Research Internship (from 14 June 2027 onward)

Students may undertake a research internship in a UMCG department aligned with their academic and research interests.

GSMS Research Voucher

  • GSMS application deadline: Sunday 7 February 2027 (hard deadline)
  • Applications must be pre-selected or endorsed by the Partner University.
  • Standard duration: 4 weeks (General note: Non-EU nationals may not remain in Europe for more than 90 days without an appropriate visa.)
  • GSMS provides a Research Voucher of up to €1,300 for a 4-week internship, scaled proportionally for shorter durations.

Alternative: ISCOMS International Research Fellowship (IRF)

  • For ISCOMS abstract presenters selected by ISCOMS
  • 13–25 June 2027
  • Coordinated entirely by ISCOMS
  • GSMS does not manage IRF selection or provide IRF funding

-> How to Apply – Research Internship

Submit the following documents to GSMS by Sunday 7 February 2027:

  • Completed Research Internship Form (template provided below)
  • English-language CV
  • Statement of support from the home university (in exceptional cases, this may be submitted after the deadline)

Important

Submitting an application does not guarantee placement. Placement depends on:

  • Availability of relevant research expertise
  • Approval of a UMCG hosting supervisor, which includes an online interview
  • Approval from the Partner University

GSMS aims to match students to research groups that fit their academic interests. Because this process requires significant time and coordination, late applications cannot be considered.

Supervisor Evaluation - Research Internship

As part of the Research Internship selection process, a supervisor evaluation is mandatory.

Before an internship can be approved, the prospective host supervisor should interview the candidate to discuss research interests, the feasibility of the proposed internship, and potential future collaboration. Following this conversation, the supervisor is asked to complete a Supervisor Evaluation Form.

This evaluation helps GSMS assess:

  • the candidate’s academic preparation and research potential
  • the feasibility of the proposed internship
  • the candidate’s suitability for potential future PhD training at GSMS

Please note that a positive match with a supervisor does not automatically guarantee that the internship can be supported, as final decisions also depend on the availability of Research Voucher funding.

The deadline for prospective supervisors to interview and fill out the Supervisor Evaluation Form is the 14th of March 2027. The GSMS will then proceed with the selection of SoR grantees.

UMCG Summer Schools

The GSMS may cover Summer School fees for selected students, subject to a formal request from partner institutions. The dates and list of Summer Schools for 2027 have not yet been announced. Interested Partners are encouraged to regularly check the Summer Schools dedicated page for updates.

Provisional list and dates of the Summer Schools as of December 2026:

  • Cardiology (dates tba) 
  • Data Science & AI in Health (dates tba) 
  • Global Health
  • Industrial Perspectives on Innovative Medicine (dates tba) 
  • Oncology (dates tba) 
  • Orthopaedics and Trauma (dates tba) 
  • Psychedelic Research (dates tba) 
  • Transplantation Medicine (dates tba) 

Important: note that this information, including the dates, is subject to change until May 2027

In case partner institutions wish to request student placements in one or more of the Schools, they should let the GSMS know as soon as possible. In your communication, mention:

  • The number of positions requested
  • The specific Summer Schools for which placements are desired

The selection of students for participation in the schools is the authority of the individual summer schools. Students should follow the application instructions of the school of their interest, in accordance with deadlines as announced.

Please note that the allocation of GSMS funding for Summer School participation is subject to the availability of funds.