# 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.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7151/files/2025-11/GMC_Poster.png) ## About the program Key information Eligibility, participation & application procedure Provisions Accessibility ## Key information - **Dates:** April 23 - 25, 2026 - **Location:** Nafplio (Greece) - **Organized by:** [Medical School of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens](https://school-en.med.uoa.gr/) (NKUA), CHS Greece - **Open to:** Students from NKUA Medical School “Precision Medicine” elective (up to 12 participants) and Harvard Medical School, Post-PCE Phase (year 3 and beyond) (one participant) - **Application Period for NKUA students:** November 20, 2025 - December 20, 2025 - **Application Period for Harvard students:** November 20, 2025 - January 4, 2026 - **Language:** English - **Scientific Director:** [Professor Despina Sanoudou, PhD FACMG](/affiliates/despina-sanoudou "Despina Sanoudou") (National Kapodistrian University of Athens / CHS) - **Faculty:** [Assist. Professor Athena Bazou](/affiliates/athena-bazou "Athena Bazou") (National Kapodistrian University of Athens / CHS), [Professor Aristides Eliopoulos](https://biology.med.uoa.gr/fileadmin/depts/med.uoa.gr/biology/uploads/ELIOPOULOS_short_CV_21_04_22.pdf) (National Kapodistrian University of Athens), [Dr. Roger Hajjar](https://www.discoverbrigham.org/roger-hajjar-md/) (Brigham and Women's Hospital), [Professor Isaac Kohane](https://dbmi.hms.harvard.edu/people/isaac-kohane) (Harvard), [Assist. Professor Jonathan Picker](https://icgd.bwh.harvard.edu/team/jonathan-picker) (Harvard), [Professor Sotirios Tsiodras](https://greece.chs.harvard.edu/sites/g/files/omnuum7151/files/2026-04/Short%20biographical%20note-Sotirios%20Tsiodras.pdf) (National Kapodistrian University of Athens), Professor Despina Sanoudou, [Professor Mark Schiefsky](https://chs.harvard.edu/about/personnel/director/) (Harvard / CHS) - **Activity Administration:** Professor Despina Sanoudou, [Dr. Evan Katsarelis](/team/evangelos-katsarelis "Evangelos (Evan) Katsarelis") (CHS Greece) - **Contact email for CHS Greece:** ### Overview In an era where medicine is increasingly defined by molecular insight and data-driven precision, the Genomic Medicine Course in Nafplio offers a rare opportunity for elite undergraduate medical students to immerse themselves in the rapidly evolving field of Genomic Medicine and its connections with the unique medical traditions of ancient Greece. This intensive three-day program is organized by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) Medical School and Harvard University’s Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece (CHS Greece) with the participation of faculty members of Harvard Medical School (HMS). It is designed to foster transatlantic academic collaboration while equipping future physicians with the conceptual and analytical tools, as well as the historical knowledge, required to navigate the genomic era. The program will take place from April 23 to 25, 2026, at the CHS Greece facilities in Nafplio. This program will bring together students from NKUA Medical School and Harvard University. It represents not only an academic milestone but a formative experience for those poised to lead in the domains of precision medicine, global health, and ethical innovation. Distinguished faculty from both Harvard and NKUA will lead the course. While at the CHS Greece facilities in Nafplio, all participants will have access to the Center’s unique Digital Library to support their research for course projects and designated research sessions. The curriculum is structured to deliver a high-density, interdisciplinary experience that integrates clinical genomics, pharmacogenomics, bioinformatics, as well as historical, and ethical frameworks. Participants will delve into state-of-the-art domains including emerging trends in advanced genetic testing, the clinical translation of personalized medicine from trial design to therapeutic implementation, and the integration of artificial intelligence in diagnostic workflows—all while critically interrogating the societal, historical, ethical, and philosophical dimensions of genomic data. The program emphasizes translational relevance, bridging bench science with bedside application through case-based learning and interactive discussions. Set against the backdrop of Nafplio –a city steeped in cultural heritage and intellectual symbolism– the course invites participants to reflect on the enduring values of Hellenic humanism while engaging with the most complex challenges of contemporary science and future clinical practice. The CHS Greece venue, a global Harvard outpost, provides an ideal environment for scholarly exchange, cultural immersion, and professional networking. Students will not only learn from world-class faculty but also engage in meaningful dialogue across cultures, participate in social events, and experience the rich historical and architectural heritage of Nafplio. ## Eligibility, participation & application procedure This program is open exclusively to pre-selected, scholarship-awarded students from NKUA Medical School actively registered for the “Precision Medicine” elective (up to 12 participants) and Harvard Medical School (one participant). This is a non-fee-based activity, and participants will be given certificates of participation during the closing session of the Program. Application can be submitted: - from NKUA Medical School students between the 20th November and 20th December 2025, and - from Harvard Medical School students between 20th November 2025, and 4th January 2026 (midnight, Eastern European Time). All applicants will receive notification until January 30, 2026. Selected participants will receive acceptance messages via email, along with instructions regarding the confirmation of their participation and the submission of related forms. The application process utilizes separate portals for NKUA and Harvard students. ### Information for Harvard applicants: Prospective Harvard University candidates interested in this program should be Medical School graduate students, Post-PCE Phase (year 3 and beyond), and must apply online through Harvard CARAT. Prior to the start of the course in Nafplio on April 23rd, the selected Harvard student will participate in a pre-course immersion, which includes a short three-day visit to the NKUA Medical School campus in Athens from April 20th to 22nd, 2026. As such, applicants from Harvard should plan to arrive in Greece by April 19th and depart no earlier than April 26th. ### Information for applicants from NKUA Medical School: Prospective NKUA Medical School applicants interested in this program should be undergraduate students actively registered and attending the Greek or English “Precision Medicine” elective course. They must apply online through the “Precision Medicine” elective eClass website. ## Provisions Participants will be provided with coffee breaks during the daily seminar sessions, a group dinner on the second day of the course, and bus transportation from Athens to Nafplio on the morning of April 23rd, as well as return bus transportation from Nafplio to Athens on the afternoon of April 25th. NKUA Medical School students will receive double-occupancy accommodation in Nafplio for two nights (April 23rd and 24th), with breakfast included. The Harvard student will be awarded a travel scholarship of up to $2,200 from CHS Greece to cover airfare to and from Greece and accommodation expenses in both Athens and Nafplio. ## Accessibility The Center for Hellenic Studies in Greece welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about the physical access provided, please email or call [(+30) 27520 47030](), in advance of your participation. Requests for accommodations should be made as far in advance as possible. We will explore each request on a case-by-case basis. However, please note that all services are subject to availability. ![Logos of the collaborating institutions for the Genomic Medicine Course.](/sites/g/files/omnuum7151/files/styles/hwp_1_1__960x960_scale/public/2025-11/Genomic%20Medicine%20Course_Collaborating%20Institutions%20Logos.png?itok=jml-HF3z) See also:- [ Seminar-based Programs ](/activities-type/seminar-based-programs) - [ Artificial Intelligence ](/activities-field/artificial-intelligence) - [ Health ](/activities-field/health) - [ Harvard graduate students ](/target-audience/harvard-graduates) - [ Undergraduate students non-Harvard ](/target-audience/undergraduates)