Mariam Dumbadze, a fifth-year student at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at BAU International University Batumi, participated in the European Congress of Endocrinology ECE 2026, held in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, with full financial support from the university. Held between 9-12 May 2026, the congress brought together current scientific developments, research results, and clinical practices in the field of endocrinology and metabolism with international participants.

International Scientific Experience at ECE 2026

Organised by the European Society of Endocrinology, ECE 2026 brought together researchers, clinicians, academics, and young scientists working in the field of endocrinology on the same platform. The congress programme included scientific sessions on diabetes, obesity, metabolism, thyroid diseases, endocrine cancers, reproduction and development, adrenal diseases, and various other endocrinological topics.

Throughout the congress, Mariam Dumbadze had the opportunity to engage with current scientific studies, connect with experts from different countries, and share research experiences. The international scientific environment enabled the student to closely follow academic developments in the field of endocrinology and strengthen her research-oriented professional perspective.

Exam Period and Fasting Glucose Research in Medical Students

At the congress, Mariam Dumbadze presented her research titled "Effects of Lifestyle Changes, Sleep Patterns, and Stress Awareness on Fasting Glucose Levels during the Exam Period in Medical Students in Georgia". The study focused on the relationship between medical students' lifestyle habits during the exam period and metabolic indicators.

The research evaluated areas such as sleep duration, stress levels, eating habits, physical activity, and fasting glucose. By addressing lifestyle changes during intense academic periods using scientific data, the study brought an important research area regarding students' health behaviors to the fore.

Research Published in the European Journal of Endocrinology

The study presented during the congress was later published in the August 2026 special issue of the European Journal of Endocrinology. The research, co-authored by Mariam Dumbadze alongside Ketevan Dundua and Teona Gogitidze, constituted an important academic output demonstrating the active participation of BAU International University Batumi students in scientific production processes.

The study, featured in an internationally peer-reviewed scientific journal, supported students in gaining experience in research design, data evaluation, academic writing, and scientific presentation processes. This academic process stood out as a concrete example reinforcing the integration of medical education with research.

Support for Student Research from BAU Batumi

BAU International University Batumi continues to support student participation in international congresses and active engagement in scientific research. Mariam Dumbadze’s participation in ECE 2026 with full funding reflected the university's approach to student development, research culture, and international academic visibility.

The experience gained at the congress enhanced skills in scientific communication, professional networking, and evaluating contemporary research. Discussions and exchanges of ideas with experts from different countries increased the student's motivation for future research endeavours.

BAU International University Batumi continues its educational approach of fostering academic curiosity, research participation, and professional development by connecting its students with international scientific platforms. Mariam Dumbadze’s participation in the European Congress of Endocrinology and the publication of her research in the European Journal of Endocrinology stand out as one of the visible international outcomes of this approach.

Strengthening Research Culture in Medical Education

The participation of students in scientific research during their education enables them to develop clinical knowledge and academic inquiry skills on the same foundation. The ECE 2026 experience contributed to Mariam Dumbadze sharing her research findings with an international community, evaluating scientific feedback, and closely monitoring current study topics in the field of endocrinology. The financial support provided by the university forms an important part of the institutional approach that strengthens students' access to high-quality scientific events. This approach continues to grow.