Background of Human Practice
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a highly malignant form of oral cancer. The primary goal of our project is to provide new treatment options for OSCC patients. While drug development related to cancer treatment in the laboratory is crucial, public awareness campaigns for cancer prevention outside the laboratory are equally important. Therefore, we focus not only on lab research but also on engaging with grassroots communities and schools for all age groups to promote synthetic biology, healthy living, and cancer prevention. Through our efforts, we hope to enhance public awareness of cancer, enabling people to move away from unhealthy habits and adopt healthier lifestyles. We also aim to improve their literacy in synthetic biology, allowing them to gain a more comprehensive understanding of biology. Furthermore, we aspire for our project to embody the principles of sustainable development, ensuring that our impact can be disseminated and sustained over time. Based on these ideals, our Human Practice primarily focuses on education and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Tan, Yunhan et al. “Oral squamous cell carcinomas: state of the field and emerging directions.” International journal of oral science vol. 15,1 44. 22 Sep. 2023, doi:10.1038/s41368-023-00249-w
Education
In the realm of education, to tackle the issue of educational inequality, we are committed to dismantling the barriers to the spread of biology and health science knowledge. Our team members have carried out scientific knowledge dissemination activities in primary and secondary schools in the underdeveloped northwest region. By organizing activities to popularize biological sciences, we aim to spark the interest of children who have never been introduced to biology and health science, planting the seeds of scientific inquiry in their minds. We also conduct cancer-related knowledge dissemination in the community, striving to guide residents with our passion and expertise in cancer prevention. Our cancer awareness team has conducted a series of in-depth community outreach activities through various formats such as lectures, interactive experiences, and surveys, working to integrate cancer prevention knowledge into the community and foster a collective atmosphere for cancer prevention across society.
Practicing Sustainable Development Goals
This project transcends mere problem-solving to embrace technological innovation, actively integrating sustainable development principles and advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Our mission is to alleviate the suffering of oral squamous cell carcinoma patients, offering them a chance to regain health and return to a life free from pain, thereby aligning with SDG 3, which champions health and well-being. Furthermore, our work addresses post-operative facial deformities, empowering patients to reintegrate into society with confidence and vitality, contributing to SDG 8's aim of reducing inequalities.
Looking ahead, our team remains dedicated to transforming research findings into societal benefits, enhancing the development of Lanzhou, and contributing to the vision of a prosperous China, in accordance with SDG 9's focus on industry, innovation, and infrastructure. To fulfill SDG 17, which emphasizes partnerships for the goals, we have collaborated with HBMU-Taihe and LZU-MEDICINE-CHINA teams to create an SDG manual. This guide serves as a valuable resource for future teams seeking to delve into SDG 17, strengthening implementation mechanisms and revitalizing the global partnership for sustainable development.
This overview highlights our team's efforts in the Human Practices aspect of the project. Despite the project's lengthy duration and the significant effort we have invested, we do not feel fatigued or overwhelmed. Instead, we take pride in our contributions to the fields of synthetic biology and medicine. We are optimistic about achieving even greater accomplishments in the future and eagerly anticipate positive results!