Abbott programme uses social networking to target students

The Abbott sponsored programme Labs Are Vital is to target students interested in science through the Facebook social networking site.

Labs Are Vital has launched a Facebook group and student-focused website www.LabScienceCareers.com designed to make students more aware about career opportunities in clinical lab sciences.

The Facebook group will enable interested students to meet clinical laboratory students and graduates and enable them to learn more about the experiences of people in the profession.

In support of the social networking initiative, Labs Are Vital is also offering an online scholarship contest in which students submit a video, advertisement or T-shirt design which encourages others to consider a career in the laboratory.

Additionally, www.LabScienceCareers.com is to go live, with the online resource allowing students to find information about career opportunities and education programmes in the clinical research sector.

Paula Garrott, from the laboratory consulting firm The Laboratory Consultants, confirmed the important of social media in implementing targeted recruitment efforts.

She added: “One of the most critical components to improving some of the problems that face the clinical lab sciences is a broad communications effort initiated by Labs Are Vital to ensure current and future generations understand the importance of the work lab professionals do everyday.”

Also this week, Abbott has said that Humira (adalimuamb) is an important new treatment to reduce the signs and symptoms of moderate to severely active polyarticular juvenile idiopathic arthritis.