# AIMS Meeting

The Annual International (bio)Medical Students Meeting, also known as AIMS Meeting, is an annual student congress on biomedical sciences. It is considered to be the largest European biomedical conference organized by medical students. It is advocated by the Faculty of Medicine of the Lisbon Students’ Local Committee and highlights the importance of medical education for students of health sciences through a diverse approach. In 2021, despite numerous travel restrictions across the world, more than 1300 participants from 19 countries attended its Online Edition (and in-person workshops), proving it to be one of the hallmarks of medical education for (bio)medical students across the globe.

## History

Founded in 2009, AIMS Meeting was first recognized by ENJOY Med and was attended primarily by medical students. By its 3rd edition, the congress had expanded internationally and was now meant for all students attending biomedical sciences courses. Since its conception, AIMS Meeting has steadily increased its visibility and dimension. It is often known for its lectures that are frequently composed of Nobel Prize Winners in Chemistry, Peace or Physiology or Medicine.

## Location

AIMS Meeting takes place at the Aula Magna of the University of Lisbon (UL) in Portugal. The congress' workshops are also held at other places, such at the Hospital de Santa Maria, one of Portugal's biggest academic hospitals, and the Instituto de Medicina Molecular, an associated research centre internationally recognised for its focus on topics like human genome and immunotherapy.

## Congress structure

The congress is typically concerned with conceptual and thematic innovation. Each of its 4 days of lectures is dedicated to a module, with every lecture being dedicated to a specific concept. This allows lecturers the opportunity to exchange ideas with their audiences during roundtables. As the congress is for (bio)medical students who are interested in research, students may be either presenting or non-presenting participants. If a participant wants to present their research, they are required to submit their abstract beforehand. The congress also offers practical learning opportunities through its workshops, as well as, a social program that is designed to allow participants to get to know Lisbon.

## Organising committee

The AIMS Meeting Organising Committee is composed entirely by college students from the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon. Its structure consists of four departments: Scientific Department, Logistics and Fundraising Department, Image and Communication Department, and Public Relations Department. Each department has its own coordinators, with the Organising Committee being led by two General Coordinators.

## Prizes and awards

The European Medical Students' Association (EMSA) distinguished the 10th AIMS Meeting as "The Most Innovative Project" at the Autumn Assembly 2019, held in Athens, Greece from September 1 to September 6, under the theme "A medical Curriculum shaped by Medical Students".
The 11th AIMS Meeting has joined the IFMSA (International Federation of Medical Students' Association) Health Systems.
The 11th AIMS Meeting has achieved the High Patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic.
AIMS Meeting 2022 has achieved the High Patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic.
AIMS Meeting 2023 has achieved the High Patronage of the President of the Portuguese Republic.