“How can you help?” Well I’m so glad you asked. Here are a few ways you can lend a hand. No pressure but there will be a test at the end.
1. Make a Donation
Donations are always the easiest and most expedient way to get the ball rolling in any lab. Many people may not realize this but science is expensive. Funding from NIH and other organizations are getting more and more competitive meaning the chances of getting these highly sought after grants is shrinking. Donations accelerate the process of getting our discoveries here in the lab to new therapies for patients. Donations are important to any non-profit organization including ours.
To make a donation to the neural stem cell institute, please click here.
2. Tell A Friend
It is understandable that many people don’t have money to give. This doesn’t mean you can’t help and be part of something wonderful. By just helping your friends understand the role of stem cells and the potential they have for medical applications can increase support for our cause in this emerging area of biomedicine. Just simply slip it into conversation at your next dinner party and you will be well on your way. Instead of commenting on how lovely the weather is, simply comment on the lovely stem cell research that is going on in the world. Easy as pie.
3. Stay Informed
How will I be the most interesting person at my next fancy dinner party? Brush up on current stem cell research that’s how. Stem cell research is one of the fastest growing fields of scientific study, and it is leading to exciting new therapeutic options in the area of regenerative research. There has to be some information out there on this right? Conveniently enough there is. Our website www.nstemcell.org (not a plug I swear, well maybe a little one) has tons of information about the projects we are currently working on and the science behind it. The International Society for Stem Cell Research (www.isscr.org) also has some really great resources if you want to expand your knowledge on stem cell research. You don’t have to get your PhD in stem cell research, but if you know the basics you are golden. So the next time you are surfing the web check them out. Beware though; some sites on stem cell research are less fact and more fiction.
4. Volunteer
Handy with a pipette? Ask to volunteer at a local lab and get some hands on experience at the same time. Labs can always use another set of hands and an extra brain or two. It is also a great way to see how a lab environment truly is and if it is a place you can see yourself working at in the future. Another bonus, colleges and universities eat this stuff up when you’re applying. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved.
5. Give a Scientist a Pat on the Back
Though we toil away for the good of humanity, a “thank you” or a “keep up the good work” goes a long way. It’s nice to know that you are doing a job well done and that your hard work is truly appreciated. Even a high-five means a lot and makes us work that much harder. Just make sure we take our gloves off first.
Alright are you ready for that quiz? Just checking. By just reading these suggestions on how to help you are already starting to make a difference. No matter which way you decided to aid in our ongoing endeavors, know that it is greatly appreciated. Isn’t it nice to be part of something so fantastic? Believe me, it does.
Comment Corner
If you are currently helping a scientist in need post your story below. Do you have any more suggestions on how people can help? How do you plan to help in the future? I can’t wait to hear from all of you!
This post comes to you from Rachel Wurster. Research technician by day, blogger and tweeter extraordinaire by midday.
Neural Stem Cell Institute 