Student Ambassador Program

A first step into medical publishing, science communication, and the IJMS community.

The IJMS Student Ambassador Program is a 12-month, remote, voluntary opportunity for medical students who want to learn how a journal works and help other students discover reliable research and educational opportunities. No research, publication, or peer-review experience is required.

At a glance: 12 months · about 2–3 hours per month · no application or participation fee · supervised by the Editor-in-Chief.

How to apply   Your year   Recognition   Questions

Who this is for

You must be enrolled in a medical degree when your appointment begins and expect to remain a student throughout the 12-month term. The program is designed for beginners, including students who have never reviewed a manuscript or conducted a research project. Previous coursework or laboratory exposure does not disqualify you. Selection focuses on motivation, reliability, willingness to learn, and a realistic way to reach fellow students.

Students from any country and year of medical school may express interest. You do not need a publication record, a large social media following, or a personal social media account. Activities can take place through an approved student society, a campus noticeboard, or other permitted student channels. Working communication is in English; approved local-language outreach is welcome.

What ambassadors do

Ambassadors share accurate information about IJMS, explain published research in accessible language, connect students with public learning opportunities, and bring student questions back to the journal. IJMS supplies approved materials and feedback.

  • Share 10 approved announcements during the year, normally one per active month. These may highlight published articles, author guidance, public learning sessions, or conference opportunities.
  • Create two short educational pieces with feedback, such as a plain-language article summary, an author-guidance explainer, or an approved translation. These are communications activities, not peer-reviewed publications.
  • Help deliver one small outreach activity, such as a 20–30 minute student introduction to IJMS or a contribution to an IJMS online session. An accessible remote alternative can be agreed with the Editor-in-Chief.
  • Complete four short learning modules, at least 10 brief monthly check-ins, and an end-of-term portfolio and handover.

There are no manuscript submission, citation, follower, or recruitment quotas. Ambassadors are not expected to spend their own money, travel, buy advertising, or organize paid events. Examination periods and other interruptions can be accommodated through an agreed plan.

Your year with IJMS

Months 1–3 — Learn and start

Meet the Editor-in-Chief and fellow ambassadors, complete orientation and the first two modules, learn the boundaries of the role, and begin sharing approved material. Choose a manageable outreach channel and a learning goal.

Months 4–6 — Practice with feedback

Complete the third module, prepare your first educational piece, and review your progress with the Editor-in-Chief. Use published IJMS articles and public guidance for all learning activities.

Months 7–9 — Connect your community

Complete the fourth module and help with one approved outreach activity. Share student questions and barriers so the journal can improve its communications.

Months 10–12 — Finish and plan your next step

Prepare your second educational piece, complete your portfolio, and hand over useful resources. Discuss future opportunities that fit your interests and preparation.

Short group discussions are offered during the year, with asynchronous alternatives where needed. The appointment letter confirms exact start and end dates and the agreed activity plan.

What you receive

  • A dated volunteer appointment letter stating your role, supervisor, and term.
  • An IJMS Student Ambassador badge for use during your active appointment.
  • An optional listing in the ambassador directory after appointment and consent.
  • Feedback on your communications work and access to program learning activities.
  • A Certificate of Completion of Volunteer Ambassadorship and a verified service summary when you complete the term and agreed requirements.

Certificates record actual service and learning. They do not confer academic credit, CME/CPD accreditation, professional certification, or an editorial appointment. Specific references may be provided when a supervisor has sufficient evidence of your work. Participation does not guarantee authorship, publication, a research placement, or selection as an editor or reviewer. Future roles require separate applications and appropriate preparation.

Role boundaries

Ambassadors work within communications and outreach. They do not review confidential manuscripts, access editorial records, make publication decisions, promise acceptance, negotiate partnerships, collect money, or speak for the journal on policy matters. Novel materials and translations require approval before distribution. Questions about submissions or editorial decisions must go through the journal's official channels.

How to apply

Expressions of interest are welcome. The Editor-in-Chief confirms the next selection cycle, available places, and term dates by email. Sending an application does not establish an appointment.

Email editor.in.chief@ijms.info with the subject IJMS Student Ambassador Application and include:

  1. Your full name, medical school, country of study, current year, and expected graduation month and year.
  2. Why you want to join and what you hope to learn (up to 150 words).
  3. One realistic idea for reaching fellow students (up to 100 words).
  4. Your availability for a 12-month term at about 2–3 hours per month, preferred languages, and any other journal roles.

A CV is optional. Shortlisted applicants will be asked to confirm student status using an institutional email or a redacted enrollment document. Do not send identity cards, passports, transcripts, or sensitive personal information. Applications are handled privately by the Editor-in-Chief; consent to a public listing is requested separately after appointment.

Email your application

Ambassador directory

Confirmed ambassadors will be listed here with their consent, institution, country of study, and appointment dates. Applicants are not listed. Former ambassadors are identified by their completed term.

Verify an appointment or certificate

Contact editor.in.chief@ijms.info with the name and credential ID shown on the letter or certificate. The Editor-in-Chief checks the service register before confirming the role, dates, and award. This is a manual verification service.

Frequently asked questions

Can I apply without any research or reviewing experience?

Yes. This is an introductory program. You learn through public material and supervised communications work.

Is this a paid position?

No. It is a voluntary position with no stipend. There is no fee to apply, participate, or receive earned credentials. Required activities are designed to be completed without personal spending.

Do I need to bring manuscripts or recruit other ambassadors?

No. We value accurate communication and meaningful learning. Manuscript recruitment, citations, and follower totals are not completion requirements.

Can this lead to an editorial or research role?

You can learn about future opportunities and apply separately when prepared. Ambassador service does not bypass selection, training, or conflict-of-interest requirements.

What if I graduate or need to pause?

Tell the Editor-in-Chief promptly. A pause or adjusted plan can be agreed. If you leave before completing the program, IJMS can confirm the actual dates and activities of your service; a full-year completion certificate requires completion of the agreed term and requirements.

Questions? Contact editor.in.chief@ijms.info. Learn more about Editorial Operations and Outreach.