Educational Organizations

Around 400 students start with the BScs of Biology, Life Science & Technology, Biomedical Engineering, or one of the associated MScs every year. All of these students want the best education, so we need to have a co-partnership to secure the best quality of education. Participation exists on several levels. Below you can learn more about our co-partners.

​The Bètastuf is a student council of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. They collect opinions of students, for example via the PC's, and present these opinions to the Faculty Board. The Bètastuf organizes events where everyone can discuss faculty-wde problems and stay up-to-date. They also organize skill workshops and trainings for board members of the FSE study associations.

You can find more information about them on their website.

The Faculty Council (FC) is a consultative platform of the Faculty Board, in regards to policies about research and teaching, but also about the faculty budget. Approval from the FC is needed before fulfilling changes to the faculty regulations and changes to the Teaching and Examination Regulations (TER).

The University of Groningen has 10 faculties, which each have a Faculty Board (FB). This board consists of the Dean (also the portfolio holder for research), vice-dean (also the portfolio holder for teaching), and a portfolio holder for funds. Moreover, the FB has a student member that participates in the meetings. This student advises the FB and represents the opinion of the Faculty of Science and Engineering. Besides this, the student member can educate and inform on many faculty-wide decisions in regards to Programme Committees or study associations. 

The International Student Congress of (bio)Medical Sciences (ISCOMS) is one of the world’s leading student congresses in the field of (bio)medical sciences. Every year, a new edition of ISCOMS takes place around June at the UMCG.

ISCOMS is one of the world's leading student congresses in (bio)medical sciences. However, ISCOMS is not just any regular congress; it is a non-profit organisation made up of students that aims to promote student research and the international exchange of it. Throughout their 3-day congress, they offer a stimulating venue for student research exchange and offer students the opportunity to broaden their social and scientific network. Their scientific programme includes different types of research from students all over the world, which are presented in poster, oral, or plenary forms in front of an international and professional audience. Alongside these student sessions, there are fascinating keynote lectures and hands-on workshops. They also have an elaborate social programme, filled with dinners and parties to give the chance for all the participating members to get to know and have fun with each other and the ISCOMS organisation.

You can find more information about ISCOMS here.

Landelijk Overleg Biologie Studenten (LOBS) is a group of students from all biology bachelors and masters in the Netherlands. The goal of LOBS is to look after the interests of all biology students by organizing monthly meetings to discuss problems and developments within all universities. LOBS also maps all biology-related BScs and MScs and their contents. 

Every year, LOBS organizes a Next Step Master Day (NSMD) where all biology masters present themself. This event is for second and third year BSc students who want to orient themselves with different MSc options. It is usually held in late Winter - early Spring. Moreover, LOBS also organizes a yearly congress in Burgers' Zoo, called the National Congress for Biology Students (NCBS). NCBS is for everyone who is interested in biolog and students can also participate in a thesis contest.

For more information about LOBS and their activities, take a look here.

The University Council is a participation council of the "College van Bestuur", the highest board of the University of Groningen. The University Council consists of 12 staff members and 12 student members. Every year, all students can elect students members from the 3 participating parties: Student Organization Groningen (SOG), Lijst Calimero (LC), and De Vrije Student (DVS). There is also one presidium member in the University Council. This council discusses policy on the university level.

For more information about the University Council, click here.