Travel Fellowship open to Harvard Medical School students to attend the Genomic Medicine Course in Nafplio

Poster announcing the “Genomic Medicine Course in Nafplio,” held at Harvard’s Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece from April 23–25, 2026. Background features a DNA double helix design.

Harvard University’s Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece (CHS Greece) and the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) Medical School are seeking a Harvard Medical School student to attend the Genomic Medicine Course from April 23 to 25, 2026, in Nafplio, Greece. This is a three-day immersive exploration into the most cutting-edge aspect of Genomic Medicine, blending also the enduring relevance of ancient Greek intellectual traditions.

Are you a Harvard Medical School student, Post-PCE Phase (year 3 and beyond), eager to immerse yourself in the cutting edge of medicine while experiencing a land steeped in history?

We invite you to apply for a unique short-course travel fellowship in Genomic Medicine, set against the stunning backdrop of Nafplio, Greece. This is an unparalleled opportunity to delve into the future of healthcare, enhance your application, and broaden your global perspective. You should plan to arrive in Greece by April 19th and depart no earlier than April 26th.

Pre-Course Immersion: Athens Medical School | April 20 – 22, 2026

Your travel fellowship begins with a short (three-day) visit to the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) Medical School.

Established in 1837, NKUA is the oldest and most prestigious university in Greece and was the first modern university in the Balkan region. Its Medical School is a major institution with multiple affiliated hospitals, boasting approximately 4,000 enrolled students and covering 40% of the medical needs for the 5 million residents in Attica. Recently, the NKUA School of Medicine has been recognized among the Top 100 Medical Schools worldwide in key academic subjects, such as Clinical Medicine.

During your time here, you will have the opportunity to:

  • Expand your academic exposure by attending lectures and observing the Greek medical curriculum (optional)
  • Embark on research collaborations with local medical students on a short research project (optional)
  • Network and socialize with NKUA medical students, build peer relationships, discover the breathtaking historical sites across the city, while gaining firsthand insight into global medical education

The Core Course: Genomic Medicine, AI, and Ethics in Nafplio | April 23 – 25, 2026

Following your time in Athens, you will travel together with a group of top Medical Students from NKUA, to the picturesque city of Nafplio. The intensive course will take place at the facilities of the CHS Greece, located at the heart of the old town. CHS Greece is one of Harvard’s 20+ global offices and has established itself as an international academic hub, promoting excellence through fertile scientific exchange of brilliant young and established senior scientists across disciplines, and supporting productive collaborations between the Harvard and Greek academic communities. At CHS Greece, you will engage directly with distinguished faculty from both Harvard Medical School (online) and the NKUA Medical School (on-site). The Genomic Medicine Course Scientific Director is Professor Despina Sanoudou, PhD FACMG.

The curriculum is designed to be cutting-edge and thought-provoking, covering:

  • Latest Advances in Genomic Medicine: Explore the newest discoveries shaping personalized healthcare
  • Integration of AI: Understand how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing data analysis and clinical application in genomics
  • Clinical Trial Design in the Era of Genomic Medicine
  • Critical Ethical Considerations: Engage in vital discussions on the complex societal and ethical implications of genetic technologies
  • The Roots of Precision Medicine: Trace the historical connections between modern genomic principles and the medical traditions of Ancient Greece

Discussion will be an integral part of the course, ensuring an interactive and collaborative learning experience, while enjoying the spectacular views of the Aegean Sea.

Experience and Perks

Beyond the classroom, your participation includes an unforgettable cultural and educational experience:

  • Leisure time to explore the gems of the city of Nafplio and the renowned beaches in the area
  • Travel fellowship up to $2,200 from CHS to cover flight and accommodation expenses, including your airfare to and from Greece and accommodation in Athens and Nafplio. Ground transportation from Athens to Nafplio and vice versa is provided by the program with a group bus organized for all participants
  • Group dinner sponsored by the NKUA: All students and faculty will dine together at a location beloved by locals for its traditional Greek cuisine, offering a genuinely high-quality dining experience right in the most beautiful part of the town

Who Should Apply?

We are seeking driven and intellectually curious Harvard Medical School students, Post-PCE Phase (year 3 and beyond), who are passionate about genomics, technology, and medical ethics. This travel fellowship is a powerful way to demonstrate your initiative, secure global experience, and build a strong foundation for your medical school applications.

Don't miss this opportunity to study the future of medicine in the cradle of civilization, with direct exposure to two world-class medical institutions.

Application Procedure

Interested students should submit their full CV, a statement of interest (including their future career goals), and their transcript(s) online through Harvard CARAT. The application deadline is January 4, 2026. Applicants will be notified of the results by the end of January.

Learn more about the Genomic Medicine Course in Nafplio on its webpage.

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