Why We Do What We Do
At Seeding Labs, we believe in scientists helping scientists. Our work in the developing world has shown us time and time again that talented researchers are everywhere but the resources needed to sustain and nurture world-class research are not. By facilitating the donation of equipment from North American universities and technology firms to their counterparts overseas, we are not only helping our colleagues with the difficult task of building labs in countries where funds are scarce and equipment inaccessible, but we are also helping to build a global community of scientists, linking the scientist across the hall with the scientist across the ocean.
We believe that our work benefits not only our recipients, but their communities as well. A real research and development sector is an incalculable benefit to a developing nation. The work of scientists provides sustainable solutions to local problems. It brings new and better jobs to universities and cities. It benefits agriculture, engineering, public health and the environment. Working scientists are positive role models in their communities, and leaders and educators that inspire young people to break the cycle of poverty.
We also believe that our work benefits the environment we all share. Equipment that might otherwise gather dust on a shelf or in a warehouse can instead be put to good use. Our donor institutions, by working with Seeding Labs, reduce waste, reduce the costs associated with the storage or disposal of older but still useful items, and make a real contribution to international science and international development. Who knew an old PCR machine or centrifuge could do so much good?
Why science?
At first glance, supporting scientific research may not seem like an obvious priority in countries where political instability is rife and food shortages are real. While we don't diminish the importance of efforts to alleviate these immediate problems, we strongly believe that scientific research is an essential component in creating the kind of sustainable, diversified economies that help developing nations lift themselves out of poverty. Some of the benefits of scientific research in the developing world include:
Reversing the “brain drain”: Many scientists from developing countries migrate to the developed world for improved educational and career opportunities. Many remain; it is estimated that 30-50% of scientists from the developing world live and work in developed countries. In 2004, the National Science Foundation found that of the 1350 African doctoral students in the U.S., 70% planned to stay. One reason driving them to remain abroad is inadequate research facilities in their home countries.
Strengthening capacity to solve local problems: The population of the developing world is plagued by diseases we don’t suffer from in the West, and dependent upon crops we don’t grow. We want to help the scientists working on these locally important issues, to make sure that they can help their communities.
Strengthening global public health and protect our shared environment: The outbreaks of bird flu and swine flu in the last few years have proven just how closely connected we all are when it comes to our health. We are beginning to see the effects of climate change, manifested in tsunamis or droughts, impacting the lives of people worldwide. Scientists in the developing world must be equipped to detect and address outbreaks where and when they occur. And they must have the tools to predict and mitigate the effects of human activity on the environments in which they live.
Ensuring economic and social benefits: It is hard to quantify the economic impact of strong scientific educational and R&D institutions, but we live with the benefits every day. The presence of a highly educated workforce in-country and the discoveries resulting from strong research institutions will impact everything from the daily lives of communities to national economies in the countries in which we work.