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History of the
Committee
SCORE was founded in 1991 with the objective of giving students an opportunity of improving their skills in research in other learning settings. Presently, SCORE involves more than 65 active NMOs, offering over 3000 research projects to provide over 2400 medical students worldwide the opportunity to participate in IFMSA research exchange program
and learn the basic principles of medical research such as literature studies, collecting data, scientific writing, lab work, statistics and ethical aspects related to the medicine. It is important to mention that all exchanges are initiated and coordinated entirely by medical student volunteers.
Mission
Our mission is to offer future physicians an opportunity to experience research and diversity in countries all over the world. This is achieved by providing a network of locally and internationally active students that globally facilitate access to research exchange projects. Through our programming and opportunities, we aim to develop both culturally sensitive students and skilled researchers intent on shaping the world of science.
Objectives
- Enable them to take responsibility for their own learning according to their personal interests.
- Introduce them to the basic principles of medical research
- Widen their horizons and provide the opportunity to experience different approaches to health care, ethical research standards, medical research, education, and treatment.
- Enhance the academic quality of the medical student curricula and achieve educational benefits of practical and theoretical knowledge in the field of medical research.
- Facilitate collaboration and partnership between medical universities, research institutions and allied medical students across the globe in order to share and spread new achievements in medical research.
Main Topics
The IFMSA Research Exchange is a research project that provides medical students with the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the specific area of their research interest. This program is officially recognized and supported by the medical school/university and is guided by a mentor who introduces exchange students to the basic principles of research, including literature search, data collection, scientific writing, laboratory work, statistics, and ethics. Upon completion of the program, students may be required to prepare a written scientific report or an oral presentation.
Types of research projects:
- Basic laboratory research project.
- A clinical research project with lab work
- A clinical research project without lab work
- Global Action Project (GAP)
All exchanges are initiated and coordinated entirely by medical student volunteers. Every university is represented by a Local Officer on Research Exchange (LORE), who facilitates projects at the local level and arranges for the exchange students preparations such as housing and boarding. Every exchange student is assigned a local contact person who serves as a guide, resource, and social liaison, the thing that strengthens the intercultural communication, understanding, and unity among medical students worldwide.
For more information about IFMSA Exchanges, visit Exchange the World Section.
Examples of recent achievements
Conclusion of the SCORE Sessions of the MM24 in Quito, Ecuador
The 73rd IFMSA General Assembly March Meeting in Quito Ecuador was a wonderful event where medical students from all over the world were provided the platform to grow, develop, learn and explore. The SCORE sessions provided all the attendings with a wonderful opportunity to develop their knowledge regarding Research exchanges, discover research methodologies and discuss the future proceedings of the Standing Committee
Research Resources Database
The Research Resources Database (RRD) is a big compilation of websites and materials available to everyone. It was created as an initiative towards achieving and contributing to one of IFMSA’s Global Priorities – Access to Research and Research Education (ARRE). Moreover during the past period, We worked to align the database with the IFMSA Basic Research Competencies Framework (BRCF) and added 3 new categories and 48 new resources.
Research Camp 2023 – Amman, Jordan
This version of the International Research Camp was built based on the IFMSA Basic Research Competencies Framework, and included a variety of interactive sessions and working groups which served as a unique opportunity for students to engage in research activities with peers from diverse cultural and educational backgrounds. This Research Camp aimed to capacitate the participants and equip them with the basic skills of research methodology, data analysis, Evidence-Based Practice, Open Science, and Global Collaboration in Research. For more information on this event, feel free to review the shared report which can be found HERE.
Preparation for the 2024 Research Camps
The Research Camp is one of SCORE Workshops that is designed based on the Basic Research Competency Framework to equip our members with the basic skills of medical research and prepare them to start their own journey in research. It is a workshop that consists of 4-5 working days with an immersive experience into the heart of research, one that goes beyond the traditional boundaries of research education, an IFMSA workshop where innovation knows no limits. To cater to the wonderful research enthusiasts worldwide, preparations are underway for 2 Research Camps to be held in Tunisia and Romania, We look forward to seeing you all there!
The SCORE Academic Recognition Database
Academic Recognition is a vital aspect to track our progression towards Exchanges that add to the medical curriculums of medical students worldwide, and as such we need to track it and work to support our members develop it on a national and local level. The Academic Recognition database was created so as to help us follow up and support our NMOs in this regard.
External Affairs in SCORE Newsletter
Aiming to bring External Affairs closer to SCORE members worldwide, the first ever external affairs newsletter was created and shared, containing everything that has been done in the field in the past months and also future opportunities that members worldwide can get involved in.
Standing Committee Director
