SPECIFIC GUIDLINES FOR STUDENTS:

A GENERAL APPEAL: Fund Of Science (FOS) is one of the first sites to invite students to submit research science projects. Science experiments can be exciting adventures, but sometimes to the point of distraction from safety as a major consdieration. For experiments submitted to Fund Of Science (FOS), their safe conduct is of paramount importance. Our emphasis should not dampen your spirit, but educate you to the general importance placed in research science to performing safe and supervised experiments. Students must make sure to consult with their teachers, professors, instructors or pi as the case may be, before submitting a project. FOS cannot monitor, and hence cannot be responsible, for the safe conduct of your experiment. You, the student, and your corresponding mentor will explicitly take on this responsibility. PLEASE reflect this thinking in your project submissions, and understand that this is a implicit requirement in all submissions.

PROOF OF STUDENTSHIP:

All students are expected to provide letters as described below, which should include a statement that they are students of their appropriate institutions.

GRADUATE STUDENTS (MASTERS AND ABOVE, INCLUDING CLINICAL RESIDENTS)

Please provide a brief letter (a few sentences) from your mentor/PI or department chairman indicating that you are a student in good standing and working in a laboratory in the institute capable of performing the research. You must work in the specified laboratory and under the institutional guidelines. Do not forget full contact details of appropriate persons involved.

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS (FRESHEMEN IN UNIVERSITY AND ABOVE)

Please provide a letter from your science professor/mentor/instructor/PI indicating where the research will be performed, the availability of resources for the experiments, and that necessary safety guidelines exist at your hosting Institution/Facility/University will be followed. Since the availability of full-fledged laboratories may not be possible at all hosting Institutions, the person signing the letter will assume responsibility for all aspects of the experiment. Students and mentors are free to use facilities at other institutions if needed, providing supporting documentation is provide from this institution. Do not forget full contact details of appropriate persons involved.

SCHOOL STUDENTS (8TH GRADE AND ABOVE INCL. HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS)

FOS is very excited to invite school students as young scientists. The world of science research and how the process of discovery unfolds is about to open up to you. First and foremost scientists are responsible investigators, and young school scientists must consider this responsibility seriously. While you explore the unknown, you must exercise safety and patience above all. Thus, you MUST perform experiments under the guidance of your science teacher or anyone he/she designates as a responsible mentor. Do not forget full contact details of appropriate persons involved.

1. Please show your teacher/mentor this page.
2. The Teacher or Mentor must provide a supporting letter. The letter must indicate that the student is from their school, their project has been reviewed, and facilities for performance of the experiments in a safe manner exist in the school. For example, the use of chemicals will require a chemical hood, and the use of bacteria will be restricted to only those classified as Safety Level 1 (BL1/SPL1).
3. By submitting this letter, the Teacher or Mentor will take responsibility for all aspects of the experiments.
4. You are free to use facilities within other institutions as long as the other institutions are signatories to the letter provided.