Making a Difference with Your University's Surplus
For scientists in poorer countries, the expense of starting up a modern lab makes carrying out world-class research nearly impossible. For these researchers, access to equipment and supplies – even older models – is the difference between building a functional lab and having to suspend research.
Our university chapters are made up of volunteer students, post-docs and staff who raise awareness on campus, collect, test and inventory equipment, and network with their peers in the developing world whose labs they help equip.
Get in touch with a chapter on your campus to find out how to donate your surplus. Currently there are Seeding Labs chapters at:
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- Harvard University
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Want to start a chapter at your campus? Read on to find out how.
For scientists in poorer countries, the expense of starting up a modern lab makes carrying out world-class research nearly impossible. For these researchers, access to equipment and supplies – even older models – is the difference between building a functional lab and having to suspend research.
Donating your equipment represents more than a chance to clean out your storage. It is an opportunity to reduce your environmental impact, allow staff to volunteer in a tangible way, meet colleagues both locally and around the world, and contribute to global health and development.
The basics
- We identify scientists and institutions through our network of partner organizations and advisors, and select partners with ascientists and conducting research that will benefit their community.
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We conduct a thorough needs assessment with them and use it to compile a list of equipment they need.
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We provide you with this list and work with you to find your materials that meet these needs. We can provide you with instructions and help for identifying, cataloging and packing equipment. This can be a great volunteer activity for your staff too.
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All equipment is entered into our online database, which allows the scientists in East Africa to check that what we have meets their needs.
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We will arrange with you to pick everything up at once. Volunteers – scientists and community members – help us check that all equipment is in working order before we ship it. We then coordinate international shipping and all the associated export and import compliance.
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All contributions to Seeding Labs are tax deductible. We are delighted to recognize donors and partners on our website and our promotional materials.
Safety
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Equipment donated to Seeding Labs must be decontaminated and free from biohazardous material and radioactivity prior to transfer. Seeding Labs cannot accept non-functioning equipment.
- Upon transfer if equipment to Seeding Labs, equipment donors are released from liability related to future use of the equipment. Seeding Labs will provide the relevant paperwork for inventory, safety compliance and to liability. We will work with your environmental health and safety, accounting and other relevant personnel to ensure donations comply with internal procedures and documentation.