Budapest, Hungary — February 13, 2026 — The Clinical Science Scholars (CSS) program, launched in partnership with Harvard Medical School, is once again open for applications, this time with a revised funding model and significantly expanded scholarship opportunities for the 2026–2029 cycle.
The nine-month postgraduate certificate program in clinical research, first introduced at Semmelweis University in 2023, will continue under its established curriculum while offering broader financial support. Between the 2026/2027 and 2028/2029 academic years, Hungary’s Foundation for National Health Care and Medical Education (NEOA) will provide 70 scholarship places annually for qualified participants from the Semmelweis community and its partner institutions.
Under the new structure, Hungarian participants will receive full tuition coverage, while scholarship recipients from Central and Eastern Europe will be granted 50 percent tuition support. In addition, up to 20 international applicants per year may be admitted at a reduced tuition fee.
The program is open to young clinicians, PhD students, postdoctoral researchers and residents. Applications are being accepted until May 20 through Harvard Medical School’s official platform.
Training in Modern Clinical Research
Designed to immerse participants in the latest advances and best practices in clinical research, the CSS program provides comprehensive training in study design, clinical trials, biostatistics, epidemiology, research ethics and leadership. The hybrid format combines monthly webinars and more than 85 pre-recorded lectures with team-based problem-solving sessions and three residential workshops.
For the 2026/2027 cohort, workshops are scheduled for July 27–30, 2026, in Budapest; December 1–4, 2026, online; and March 16–19, 2027, at Harvard Medical School in Boston.
Participants will also develop individual research proposals during the course. The top ten projects will be presented in an online webinar, while the three highest-ranked submissions will be showcased at the final workshop in Boston.
Growing Regional Impact
During its first three academic years, approximately 220 students — primarily from Semmelweis University, other Hungarian medical schools and Central European institutions — completed the program.
With the second training period now underway, organizers aim to further strengthen regional cooperation and expand access to high-level clinical research education.
Applications remain open until May 20, with submission requirements including a CV, motivation letter and letter of recommendation.
Source: Semmelweis University
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