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Around the world, bench scientists other than those actively studying the pandemic have largely been forced to scale back or even shut down their experiments out of COVID-19 precautions. But that doesn’t mean their skills and expertise can’t contribute to the worldwide effort to address the disease.
In March, a postdoc at Harvard University created a national database where scientists can list their skills as well as available equipment in hopes of being matched with other scientists who could use their support during the COVID-19 pandemic. Thousands of scientists have signed up, and there are many other ways to help as well, from donating supplies to reviewing literature to answering questions about the virus submitted by members of the general public.
Things scientists can do from anywhere
Ways to donate supplies from labs
Many universities have organized drives for laboratories and surrounding businesses to donate PPE such as masks, face shields, and gowns to healthcare workers. Others are collecting RNA testing kits and reagents. Scientists can check with their institutions or the broader lists below.
Local programs
Many institutions and universities have worked to organize volunteers who are able to chip in, from laboratory work to phone calls to child care. A few are listed below.
- Covid-19 Student Service Corps (CSSC) organizes student volunteers to support healthcare workers with child care, teaching support, phone follow-ups with patients, and more. If your university hasn’t set up a CSSC chapter, a starter toolkit is available.
- Students in Minnesota are providing childcare for health workers.
- George Washington University in Washington, DC, has compiled a list of volunteer opportunities from contact tracing to lab work and acting as a medical scribe.
If you have a volunteer opportunity you would like listed on this page, please contact Senior Editor Kerry Grens.
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