Volunteers who can help with Covid-19 testing urged to sign up to BioStrata’s Scientists on Standby portal
Scientists willing to volunteer their time, expertise and support for Covid-19 screening and testing are urged to sign up to a portal created by specialist life science marketing agency BioStrata.
Called Scientists on Standby, it provides government bodies and diagnostic testing laboratories with a database of UK-based volunteers, grouped by location for easy regional allocation.
Dr Clare Russell, co-founder and managing director of the Histon-based agency, said the portal was rapidly conceptualised and launched in anticipation of the increasing pressure on testing laboratories and facilities.
“During this unprecedented time, we have seen incredible dedication, collaboration and innovation within our industry. Many organisations and teams are coming together to overcome the medical and logistical challenges presented by Covid-19,” she said.
“Within our team, we have a number of ex-researchers and clinical scientists and we were keen to find a way that we could contribute and make a difference.
“On consultation with industry partners and colleagues, we felt that Scientists on Standby was a resource that would be required and welcomed.”
As the country ramps up its testing capabilities in line with the government’s aim of carrying out 100,000 tests a day by the end of April, there is expected to be a significant demand for qualified workers.
“We predict that the industry could soon be in need of experienced scientists who could help with Covid-19 screening and test processing, to increase the volume of diagnostic testing being performed,” added Dr Paul Avery, Clare’s fellow co-founder and managing director.
“An expanded testing capacity will enable the rapid screening of both diseased people and those who have been exposed to the virus but remain asymptomatic, essentially containing the spread of Covid-10.
“In many ways, we hope that we won’t need to request the help of those on the standby list – but we’d rather have one and not need it than the other way around.”
To add your name to the growing list of volunteers at Scientists on Standby, visit https://www.scientistsonstandby.com.
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