The Blended Intensive Program (BIP) on Rare Neurogenetic Diseases will run from April to June 2026 as a collaborative educational initiative uniting medical students and faculty from leading European universities. Coordinated by the Medical School of the University of Crete, the program blends weekly online sessions with a one-week, in-person training experience in Heraklion (April 20-24, 2026). Participants will explore the genetics, pathophysiology, biomarkers, diagnostic strategies, and clinical presentation of rare neurogenetic disorders through lectures, seminars, case-based discussions, and hands-on workshops. By integrating basic science, translational research, and clinical practice, the BIP offers a unique interdisciplinary environment where students can deepen their understanding of complex neurological conditions.
The program also serves as a platform for strengthening international collaboration and academic mobility among partner institutions, including Crete, Skövde, Sofia, Rouen, Oviedo, and Coimbra. Each university will contribute expert faculty from neurology, genetics, neurophysiology, and biomedical research, while nominating senior medical students to participate in both online and onsite activities. Throughout the BIP, students and staff will engage with cutting-edge research groups, exchange perspectives across institutions, and build networks that support future teaching initiatives and joint research projects.