Gift Ideas that Make a Difference: Supporting Wildlife Conservation through Academic Milestones
In a world where meaningful gifts are cherished, Dr. Wouter van der Bruggen recently set a remarkable example during his Ph.D. thesis defence at the University of Twente. Rather than the usual gifts, Dr. van der Bruggen encouraged attendees to consider contributing to a cause close to his heart - the Rhisotope Project, an initiative supported by the Wildlife Forensic Fund.
In our pursuit of funding and introducing The Rhisotope Project to esteemed scientific and academic circles, we had the privilege of attending a pivotal event. Our team was honoured to witness the Ph.D. thesis defence of Dr. Wouter van der Bruggen at the University of Twente. His groundbreaking research focused on advanced imaging techniques specifically tailored for non-cancerous bone and joint issues, also using nuclear medicine. During this event, Dr. van der Bruggen allowed us to share insights about the impactful Rhisotope Project to help support its next research and development phases to radically reduce the demand for illegal wildlife trade products.
The Rhisotope Project utilises nuclear science for conservation by carefully inserting measured quantities of radioisotopes into the horns of live rhinos. This non-lethal yet powerful solution aims to drastically reduce the demand from end-users and safeguard rhinos from the very real threat of extinction.
For your next milestone, consider the gift of impact and conservation. Donating to projects like the Rhisotope, you not only contribute to innovative wildlife preservation efforts but also align with a broader mission of securing a future where rhinos and other endangered species can thrive. It's a gift that goes beyond the recipient, creating a positive ripple effect in the delicate balance of our ecosystems.
“Coincidentally, several weeks before defending my PhD thesis, I became aware of the Rhisotope project. Scientifically, as a nuclear medicine physician, and personally an admirer of wildlife in general and rhinos in particular, this project immediately caught my attention. The plan to save rhinos using radionuclides seemed simple yet brilliant to me.”
