This EUREKA - UMCU International summer course tackles the intrinsic difficulties of effective translational medicine. It is designed for early-stage researchers interested in this field. COVID-19 has given the world one of its most significant challenges. Translational scientists play a crucial role in tackling these challenges, from developing and implementing diagnostic tests to treatments and vaccines and health policy. This course will show you that addressing health care challenges such as COVID-19, requires much more than deep scientific knowledge. Being an agent of change also requires an understanding of scientific and health systems and a complement of skills, including collaboration, critical thinking, reflection, creative problem solving and communication. The course aims to inspire, train and challenge you to become part of a new generation of translational scientists needed to identify and tackle the most urgent problems in medicine. You will join an international group of students across multiple continents in an in person journey that will navigate through real-life examples of COVID related problems. However, it is not a course about COVID-19; it a course about you. Challenge your perspectives and ambitions, your talents and your role in the system. How do you want your research to contribute to health care and public health?

You will be informed about the latest developments in translational medicine, inspired by rare diseases, and you will develop professional skills that are essential to becoming a translational researcher. Translational medicine, the process of translating ideas from bench to bedside, is failing. To solve this colossal problem at the heart of biomedical science it is necessary to train and educate a new generation of translational scientists who understand how the science system works and who are equipped with the right skills and competences for doing the right research right. Using real-life examples from the field of orphan and pediatric diseases we will help aspiring translational scientists to develop complementary and leadership skills needed to successfully navigate the complex field of translational medicine.

This course takes up that challenge and provides aspiring translational scientists with insights, tools and competences to navigate the difficult track from bench to bedside. Crucial is obtaining a systemic perspective on science, complemented with skills such as critical thinking, problem solving and communication. The programme includes personal mentoring and advice. The course empowers participants to become successful translational scientists, especially in the fields of rare and paediatric diseases.

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