If you’re like me, when you think about research, you think of doctors and scientists that are higher up in the hierarchy of life who come up with the areas of research, conduct the studies and then come back and inform us of the results. Very disconnected. Oftentimes I feel like an outsider looking in. At least there’s research going on, right?
I have wondered from time to time what would happen if we were able to come up with the topics… but as I stated in the previous paragraph, I am not very high up in the hierarchy. Well guess what! Now we don’t have to wonder! A couple of weeks ago, Dr. Peter Higgins turned me to a little thing called WellSpringboard.
WellSpringboard is a research platform where patients can take an active role in research by submitting ideas. Your ideas are then matched up with researchers who can take these ideas and make them happen. After you are matched up with a researcher, you can invite others to take a look. They can either donate or volunteer to help make the research happen. When the idea gets the proper funding, the research is set into motion! The best part? Anyone can come up with research topics and it’s FREE to submit an idea! How cool is that???
So, now that you’re interested in being involved in research. You may even have an idea… but you’re wondering, is it good enough? According to WellSpringboard, “It doesn’t matter how big or small your idea is. Just think it through and explain why the idea is important.” In other words, come up with your idea and make your case. Pick a specific area of research… maybe it’s a new way to look at Inflammatory Bowel Disease that hasn’t been discussed!
If you have an idea, I would encourage you to head on over there and submit your idea! You never know, your topic just might be the key in finding cures or at the very least, better treatments for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
For more information, head on over to the FAQ at WellSpringboard.
