Call For Stories: Youth Month 2025 – Young Biobanking Superstars
In June, South Africa will celebrate Youth Month – a very special time for this country, and for all of us.
It’s been nearly 50 years since the June 1976 Youth Uprising, where students came together to fight for their rights to a fair education. Hundreds of young people lost their lives, and we celebrate their strength, their leadership and their dedication. And we remember the long and difficult road that has brought us to this point.
Indeed, young people have the power to change the world — for the better.
For the young (and the young at heart) Youth Month is a chance to reflect on our futures. A chance to think about where we’re going, and to plan for a bright future. But it’s also a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, to celebrate all that we’ve accomplished…and to do what we can to help our younger compatriots achieve their dreams.
So…are you a young scientist, technician or any position in science (35s and under only, sadly – but we know you’re all young at heart)? Have you overcome great odds to get to where you are? And do you want to help inspire the next generation to be all that they can be?
Well, we want to share your story with the world – and let the youth of today meet our #YoungBiobankingSuperstars.
Are you a young biobanking superstar? Share your story – and inspire the next generation of biobanking legends.
We want to know:
- Who are you?
- What do you do?
- What brought you to biobanking?
- What keeps you here?
What we’d need from you:
Well, mostly, we just need you to be your wonderful self – and to tell us all about it.
- EITHER A short (5 minutes or less) video highlighting the story of your struggle.
- OR A short article (600 words max), letting us know how you got to where you are.
- OR just let us know you’re interested, and we’ll contact you and work with you to find a way to tell your story.
Not sure how to get started? Not to worry – just check out our Meet The Members page, or contact us to find out more.
Submission deadlines: Express interest to submit a contribution by 25 June by emailing n.kruger@sanbi.org.za, or via WhatsApp on 084 812 6148.
What are biodiversity biobanks?
Biodiversity biobanks are repositories of biologically relevant resources, including reproductive tissues such as seeds, eggs and sperm, other tissues including blood, DNA extracts, microbial cultures (active and dormant), and environmental samples containing biological communities….
