General News
20 November 2025
100 Days to Rare Disease Day 2026
The call for applications for the VASCERN Summer School 2026 closed on 11 December 2026, and this year brought one of the strongest responses yet. A total of 288 applicants from 34 countries applied for a place in the programme, reflecting the growing interest in rare vascular diseases among medical students, residents and post-doctoral researchers.
The Summer School has become a special moment in our calendar, bringing together students, residents, and early-career researchers who want to deepen their knowledge and connect with others working in this field. This year’s level of interest reflects a community that continues to grow across Europe and beyond.
Interest across Europe and beyond
Applications came from a wide geographic mix, with strong engagement from across Central, Eastern and Southern Europe. Countries such as North Macedonia, Albania, Croatia, Poland, Romania, Slovenia, Latvia, and Germany showed particularly high participation.
We also saw interest from outside Europe, including Chile, Iran, and the United States. It is encouraging to see such enthusiasm from so many different backgrounds, all with the same motivation: to learn, to improve, and to contribute to rare disease care.
A programme designed for future specialists
The VASCERN Summer School brings together expert clinicians, patient representatives, and motivated young professionals in an interactive learning environment. The programme blends lectures, case-based learning, and small-group discussions, allowing participants to gain practical insight into diagnosis, management, and patient-centred care.
For many applicants, this is a chance to hear directly from the people who work in expert centres every day, and to meet others who share the same interest in rare conditions. The strong response this year shows how important this space has become for early-career training.
What happens next
With applications now closed, the selection process will begin. Successful applicants will be contacted in December 2025.
The VASCERN Summer School 2026 will take place in Paris, bringing together a new cohort of motivated learners who are ready to build their knowledge and connect with the VASCERN community.
We thank everyone who applied and look forward to meeting the selected participants next year.