Sex and gender play an important role in health and disease, yet these differences have long been underrepresented in biomedical research. Through initiatives such as Science that Serves Women, UMCG is committed to advancing more equitable, evidence-based healthcare.
To strengthen collaboration in this field, UMCG researcher Iris Hamers co-founded the Sex and Gender in Health Research Roundtable: an international network that primarily supports early-career researchers working at the intersection of sex, gender, and healthcare. The monthly online Roundtable provides an environment where researchers can present their work, discuss methodological challenges, exchange ideas, and build international collaborations. The network has grown to more than 350 researchers from over 35 countries.
On Thursday, 19 November 2026, the Roundtable will host its first Symposium. This free online symposium is open to researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals with an interest in sex- and gender-sensitive health research. The programme features keynote lectures by Professor Liisa Galea and Dr. Tim Sakkers, interactive parallel sessions, and opportunities, particularly for early-career researchers, to present their work to an international audience. A prize will be awarded for the best presentation, and participants will receive a certificate of attendance.
Although the symposium takes place online, UMCG colleagues are invited to join a local viewing party to watch the programme together, connect with peers, and strengthen collaborations within the UMCG.
Participation is free of charge. Registration (here) is now open.
You are warmly invited to participate in the symposium and submit an abstract for the opportunity to present your research to an international audience.
