Stem cell society
We are looking for extraordinary individuals to help us in the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders.
We need you...
As a Student Ambassador, you will play a key role in our mission to combat blood cancer. You’ll lead efforts at your university or college to raise awareness, recruit stem cell donors, and organise fundraising events. Whether through hosting donor drives, collaborating with other student groups, or simply spreading the word, you’ll be making a real difference. Currently, only 7% of the UK’s eligible population is on the stem cell register—join us in our mission to offer a second chance at life to all those patients in need of a transplant.
Become a Student Ambassador
Join or establish a stem cell society at your university or college in partnership with DKMS and help save lives.
Student volunteer role
- Create and develop ‘The Stem Cell Society’ and ensure the group fulfils the aims of DKMS UK
- Establish and Lead: Create and develop ‘The Stem Cell Society’ at your university or college to support DKMS’s mission.
- Organise Events: Plan and deliver monthly donor recruitment drives between January and April, plus one fundraising event during the academic year.
- Collaborate: Build partnerships with other student societies and local communities to raise awareness of blood cancer and promote DKMS.
- Training: Attend an initial volunteer induction in London and participate in annual refresher training.
- Community Engagement: Support local donor registration drives in your area, when possible
What you can expect from DKMS
- Training & Support: Comprehensive training and ongoing support, including coaching in digital marketing, public speaking, and running donor drives.
- Resources: DKMS materials to support your activities.
- Guidance: Ensuring your activities meet fundraising regulations and best practices.
- Recognition: We will acknowledge your contributions and achievements.
- Professional Development: A professional reference after one year of volunteering.
- CV Workshop: Support with applying for internships and employment
- Virtual Experience: A virtual visit to our Collection Centre or laboratory in Germany
Find the application forms and role descriptions below and please send the completed form to volunteering@dkms.org.uk.
Meet Tove and Erin - current student volunteers
Tove Högström, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
"When I was a child my mother got a cancer diagnosis and it made me want to help the fight towards cancer.
"By becoming a volunteer I felt like I could help make a difference and get more people on the registry so that one day patients and their families can enjoy a cancer-free life.
"To be a student volunteer is an amazing opportunity to help save lives. DKMS work to help expand the register, it is an amazing cause to be a part of.
"Being a student helps as it is important to encourage more young people to join the registry.
"The experience you get is also very valuable if you want to help make a difference."
Erin Watson, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh
"I chose to become a student volunteer for DKMS, as I believe it is an extremely important charity, they provide hope to so many people.
"I feel it is extremely important to spread the word and get as many people to join the register age 18-55 as possible.
"Volunteering with DKMS is very flexible and you can contribute as little or as much as you wish, it gives you experience with organising events and speaking with the public, and you learn a lot about the cause.
"We need more young people to join the register, and being a student makes it easier to reach that age group.
"It is a very fulfilling experience, and gives you a chance to do something to help towards saving lives."
Photos from past events
