On-call Scientists, a project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science's Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program (SRHRL), facilitates mutually beneficial partnerships that allow individuals in STEM fields to use their unique skills to contribute to human rights organizations. The program's definition of "scientist" is broad, so whether an individual is a social scientist, health professional, or engineer, there are opportunities to participate. Since its launch in 2008, the program has garnered more than 1,000 volunteers from all over the world. Scientists have contributed their skills to address a range of human rights issues, from forensic scientists analyzing the remains of genocide victims to geographers using their technology experistise to chart displacement, and worked with a variety of organizations, from Human Rights Watch to statewide Innocence Projects. Readers interested in joining the rank of volunteers should check out the Volunteer tab for more details (note that contributions are entirely pro bono). Those interested in connecting their organization to volunteers will find information under the Host a Volunteer tab (note that volunteer assistance is limited to human rights organizations). The SRHRL team screens and connects volunteers and hosts to ensure successful partnerships. Have a short-term, time sensitive need for a scientist's input? Check out the On-call Scientists Hotline tab to connect with this limited-scope service.
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