SEMERA RWTH-Aachen

Do you want to:

learn empirical research methods online?
take the first steps into your own research project?
present your poster in a hybrid poster walk?
connect with students from other countries?

...SEMERA is the right program for you!

SEMERA 2024 takes place from 23rd of September until 13th of December, the last three days take place in Aachen and are hybrid.

Application deadline: June 30

Highlights

Scientific skills

Acquire necessary competencies for health research in following areas: scientific career and planning, research skills, methods, communicative, soft and social skills, from idea to publication and presentation.

Intercultural social program

We offer you the opportunity to connect with international students in a relaxed and intercultural atmosphere. Get ready to build your research network!

Keynote lectures

International experts will talk about current and future global issues in the context of health and empirical research. Join the discussion afterwards and become part of the scientific community.

Statements

“I’ve joined the SEMERA program not knowing what to expect as I have never engaged in any Research Project before and my knowledge on the field was quite limited. The professors made learning of the basics (from bibliometrics to how to write a paper) easy and fun; they even manage to make statistic interesting and approachable! I was really pleased to learn more about topics I have just heard before at my university such as “tissue engineering” or “clinical microbe”. I am really grateful I met amazing people who have inspired me with their stories to pursue my dreams.”

“Motivation, inspiration and professionalism – as a medical student with an interest in research, SEMERA has been an epiphany! This excellently-structured program encompasses broad and relevant topics with a focus on practical applications to medical research – all within a vibrant international framework.“

“SEMERA taught me the ideal methods and approaches for starting my own research projects – it was very encouraging, broadened my horizon, plus, it was great fun!“

About SEMERA

SCOPE
We designed SEMERA for students in health sciences, with a strong interest in research, or already thinking of pursuing a scientific career. Participants will learn methods to conduct research and will get the opportunity to apply those methods during the program.
SEMERA takes place online, is 12 weeks long and is offered once a year (usually starts in September). The format of the farewell days is hybrid: in Aachen and virtually.
Applicants must be enrolled as undergraduate or postgraduate students at their home university in order to apply and to participate. After successfully completing the program, participants obtain a Transcript of Records. SEMERA has a workload of 5 ECTS (150 hours). In addition, RWTH Aachen University medical students receive a certificate according to the Qualifikationsprofil within our medical curriculum.

ASSESSMENT AND MILESTONES
In order to successfully complete SEMERA, students must:

complete the tasks and activities specified for each course within the program
attend the live events (digital Welcome Day & hybrid Poster Walk)
work and submit the two milestones
take all surveys

Milestone 1:: Write and submit a short literature review
Milestone 2:: Make a scientific poster and present it to your peers in the poster walk

APPLICATION
Please visit this link or click the button below to apply. We will need around 4-6 weeks to process the applications and issue the letters of acceptance. The required application documents are:

CV in English
English language certificate (at least B2 in CEFR)
Academic Transcript of Records
Certificate of Enrolment

Please answer these three questions in your letter of motivation:

Which aspect or characteristic of SEMERA interests you the most? (500 characters max)
Considering your experience in science and research so far, what do you expect to get out of SEMERA? (1000 characters max)
How do you imagine your career in science and research? (500 characters max)

Application deadline: June 30

More information and a list of the most frequently asked questions regarding the application can be found here .
If you have further questions, please feel free to email us. We are looking forward to hearing from you.

Apply now

Our Team

This is me:: Eliana, passionate translator, yogi and runner
Responsible for:: Coordinator for student exchange & International Relations at the Faculty of Medicine
Funfact:: I consider myself a global citizen

This is me:: Martin, still dreaming of building my own Death Star and innovator of the finest dad jokes
Responsible for:: Head of AVMZ
Funfact:: Extraordinary cook and wine lover

This is me:: Sebastian Fedrowitz ⬆
Responsible for:: Something with computers AVMZ
Funfact:: There's nothing fun about facts

This is me:: Patrick, the guy who makes pretty things
Responsible for:: Making things pretty! AVMZ
Funfact:: Was a painter in Victorian England in his first life

This is me:: Laura, the girl who makes pretty things
Responsible for:: Making things pretty!
Funfact:: Is faster on a bike than, you on a bike!

This is me:: Alison, loves an infectious belly laugh the sort that makes tears roll down your cheeks
Responsible for:: Student assistant for vSEMERA
Funfact:: Bakes banana bread way too often

This is me:: Melanie, strong believer in women, science and women in science
Responsible for:: Expert in Curricular Development & Faculty development programs
Funfact:: I can operate on your cat

This is me:
Responsible for:: Coordinator of the logopedic study programs
Funfact:: unintentional proverb combinator

This is me:
Responsible for:: Student assistant for SEMERA
Funfact:: I will give you detailed reviews of every café in the city; unprompted.

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