Advance your expertise in glycosciences

Whether you are just starting your PhD, expanding your research into glycosciences, or looking to strengthen your understanding of carbohydrates and their applications, the 19th Summer Course Glycosciences offers an inspiring week of learning, networking, and scientific exchange.

This internationally recognized course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fascinating world of glycans, carbohydrates, and glycoproteins, while also offering advanced sessions that allow you to explore specialized topics in greater depth. Designed for early-career researchers, the programme combines high-quality scientific education with numerous opportunities to connect with leading experts and fellow researchers from around the world.

Beyond the lectures, you'll participate in interactive activities—including poster sessions, meet-the-expert discussions, networking lunches, and social events—that foster collaboration, spark new ideas, and help you build your professional network.

In addition, you will gain hands-on experience with elucidating glycan structures based on mass spectrometry (MS) data in an on-site assignment.

What’s included in your ticket:

• Access to the GlycoScience Summer Course 2027 and course material
• Welcome on July 4th with drinks and dinner
• Coffee breaks
• Lunches on July 5 till 8
• Dinners on July 5, 6, and 7
• Certificate of attendance

Course Coordinators

• Dr. M. Wuhrer (LUMC - Leiden University Medical Center)
• Dr. M.T.C. Walvoort (RUG - University of Groningen)
• Ir. M.A. Kabel (WUR - Wageningen University and Research)

By the end of the course, you will be able to:

• Understand the diversity of glycan structures and architectures.
• Explain key analytical methods used to study glycans.
• Recognize the roles of glycans in health, disease, and biotechnology, and the role of carbohydrates as food or feed ingredient.
• Interpret and assign glycan structures based on mass spectrometry (MS) data.
• Apply current concepts and techniques to your own glycoscience research.

This graduate-level course is ideal for:

• PhD candidates and other early-career researchers working in glycoscience.
• Researchers from academia, research institutes, and industry who wish to strengthen or refresh their knowledge of carbohydrates.
• Scientists working in carbohydrate chemistry, glycobiology, biochemistry, biotechnology, chemical technology, food science, or related life science disciplines.

Participants are encouraged to bring a poster introducing their research. The poster sessions provide an excellent opportunity to receive feedback, exchange ideas, and connect with peers and established researchers in the field.

As the course is conducted entirely in English, participants should have sufficient proficiency to actively engage in discussions and present their research.

Lectures: 28 hours
Poster presentations: 4 hours
Assignment: 3 hours

Upon successful completion of the programme, the Summer School offers a Certificate of Attendance that mentions the workload of 35 hours (28 hours corresponds to 1 ECTS). Students can apply for recognition of relevant credits to the relevant authorities in their home institutions, therefore the final decision on awarding credits is at the discretion of their home institutions. We will be happy to provide any necessary information that might be requested in addition to the certificate of attendance.

Sunday July 4, 2027 - Opening

Monday July 5, 2027 - Carbohydrate Biosynthesis, Structure and Analysis – chair Marthe Walvoort

Tuesday July 6, 2027 - Enzymes and Tools – chair Mirjam Kabel

Wednesday July 7, 2027 - Glycobiology – chair Manfred Wuhrer

Thursday July 8, 2027 - Applications of Glycoscience

LUMC, Albinusdreef 2, Leiden, The Netherlands

Location & Practical Information

Hotel Recommendations Leiden

All summer school participants are requested to make their own accommodation arrangements. You can stay at hotels in the city of Leiden or in The Hague.

Hotels nearby the course venue:

• Fletcher Wellness-Hotel Leiden 
• IBIS Leiden Center
• Golden Tulip and Tulip inn
• Intercity hotel (please note this hotel is new and we do not have experience with this hotel yet)
• Hotel VIC (please note this hotel does not have a reception)
• You can also book a room at one of the Bed and Breakfast  stays in Leiden.

Useful webpages:

• Visit Leiden
• Booking
• Airbnb

Getting to Leiden

Leiden is ideally located near major cities such as The Hague and Amsterdam. Schiphol Airport is less than 20 minutes away by train, while Rotterdam The Hague Airport is approximately 25 minutes away by car. Leiden is also easily accessible by train and car, with Leiden Central Station located just a short walk from the city centre and LUMC.

By plane

Amsterdam Schiphol Airport
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is the largest airport in the Netherlands and offers excellent transport connections to Leiden and the rest of the country. From the airport, you can easily continue your journey by train, bus, rental car, or private transfer.

Schiphol railway station is located directly beneath the airport. From the Arrivals halls, it takes only a few minutes to walk to Schiphol Plaza, where you can take the stairs, escalator, or lift down to the train platforms.

The airport is also easily accessible by car and offers extensive parking facilities. Car rental services are available at the airport, with several rental desks located in Arrivals 3.

Rotterdam The Hague Airport
Rotterdam The Hague Airport is the regional airport serving the Rotterdam–The Hague metropolitan area. It offers direct flights to around 50 European destinations.

By public transport

If you are flying into Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS), travelling to Leiden by train is the easiest option. The airport has a railway station directly beneath the terminal, with frequent services to Leiden. The journey from Schiphol Airport to Leiden takes approximately 15–20 minutes. You can check in and out using a contactless debit or credit card, or a mobile device, if your card is supported. Alternatively, you can purchase an e-ticket through the NS app or directly via the NS website.

By car

Leiden is located between the A4 and A44 motorways and is easily accessible by car. If you are travelling to central Leiden by car, you can reserve a parking space in advance at a discounted rate. Simply select your date, arrival time, and expected duration of stay. Parking spaces can be reserved at the Lammermarkt, Garenmarkt, and Morspoort car parks.