Impression of ISCOMS 2007

The 14th edition of the ISCOMS congress was the first time we had a two-day progamme, instead of one day. The two days were filled with a combination of oral presentations, poster presentations, key-note lectures and workshops. By spreading our programme over two days we had the opportunity to accept more abstracts. The two-day programme was a great succes and will continue in the 15th edition! 

Underneath you will find an impression of what previous years' congress was like.

Highlights Tuesday: registration

On Tuesday, many [inter]national students arrived in Groningen. All these students were directed to the UMCG for registration at the Fontein Patio. After the registration was compleded, all participants were directed to their accomodation.

Students that arrived early this day were able to attend a delightful tour around the University Medical Centre Groningen or visit the University Museum in Groningen.

At the end of the day all participants came together at Villa Volonte, the ‘medical pub’ in Groningen. Tired of the journey, participants enjoyed a Chinese meal, accompanied by a drink or two. A very nice way of starting off the congress!

Highlights Wednesday: main congress day 1

Wednesday was a mind-stimulating day; lots of interesting student presentations where accompanied by two special keynote lectures by Prof. k.J. Wood and Prof. R.A. Weiss, two renowed speakers. There was also a keynote lecture for dentistry students by Assistant prof. Y. Ren. 

All of these presentations made the participants hungry, so we provided a lunch at the UMCG. To keep the enery up there was a Red Bull break later that afternoon. The breaks were a great opportunity to get to know fellow participants from all parts of the world. We like to believe that a lot of friendships started here.

In the evening everyone headed for Huis de Beurs (a restaurant/bar) for dinner and to contribute to the line dance workshop, after which everyone got the chance to show off their new moves. The party was lots of fun!

 Highlights Thursday: main congress day 2

After the brilliant night on Wednesday, we had expected a slow start. Therefore we were happily surprised when many students showed up at nine for the first presentations. 

Again, Thursday was filled with lots of interesting student presentations. The keynote lectures on this day were presented by Prof. P. Doevendans (see picture) and by E. Nollen. This was followed once again by a lunch, and a Coca-cola break.

At the end of the day there were the closing- and award ceremonies. The jury had the difficult task of selecting the prize-winners from the poster, oral and plenary sessions. The winners of the ISCOMS-prizes can be seen here. After an interesting and educative day everyone got together at Huize Maas (once again a restaurant/trendy bar) for dinner. The Global Village Party was also held here. All international students brought samples of their national dish and many were wearing their national outfit. The party was a great succes and everyone had a wonderful time.

Highlights Friday: post congress tour

The post congress tour took place on Friday. As done in the previous editions of the congress, it involved a trip to Schiermonnikoog (by ferry). Schiermonnikoog is a beautiful island near Groningen, it is a national park which is the refuge for a lot of rare birds and seals. Here the participants got to ride on tandems (two-person bikes). In the afternoon there was time for relaxation and playing soccer on the beach. To close off this great day there was a barbeque.