On Feb. 8, Colette Delawalla, a graduate student in psychology at Emory University, made a bold declaration on Bluesky, a social media platform, announcing her plans to organize a national protest in defense of science. Despite her nerves, Delawalla’s call to action quickly gained traction, attracting a team of like-minded scientists who shared her passion for preserving the integrity of scientific research.
Together, they devised a plan for a rally on the National Mall, scheduled for March 7, with satellite protests planned across the country. The initial website created for the event struggled to handle the surge in traffic, crashing within days. Despite these technical challenges, the momentum behind the event continued to grow.
Dubbed as “Stand Up For Science,” this protest serves as a revival of the March for Science that took place in 2017, shortly after President Trump took office. However, this time around, the political climate is even more charged, and the threats to scientific integrity are more imminent.
During the first weeks of the new administration, significant changes were made to federal scientific programs and funding. Executive orders resulted in the termination of global health programs, cuts to climate policy, and the dismissal of numerous federal scientists. These actions have sent shockwaves through the scientific community and prompted Delawalla to take a stand.
Reflecting on the history of science activism, it is evident that scientists have a long tradition of mobilizing in times of crisis. The 2017 March for Science marked a turning point, as it was a direct response to the policies of a specific administration, rather than a broad statement on U.S. policy as a whole.
Despite concerns about the politicization of science, recent studies have shown that engaging in political action can impact public perception of scientists and scientific institutions. Trust in scientists among certain groups has fluctuated in response to political endorsements and activism.
As Stand Up For Science gains momentum, its organizers are clear about their goals and vision. The small team of dedicated scientists has outlined specific policy demands, including increased funding for scientific research and the reinstatement of dismissed federal scientists. Their protest, scheduled for a Friday when the U.S. Senate is in session, is aimed at engaging American policymakers directly.
The group’s tagline, “Science is for everyone,” emphasizes the universal benefits of scientific research, transcending political divides. Since its inception, Stand Up For Science has garnered widespread support, with endorsements from prominent figures in the science community and plans for satellite protests in over 30 cities.
As the countdown to March 7 begins, the organizers of Stand Up For Science are determined to make their voices heard. With a lineup of influential speakers and a growing base of supporters, they see this protest as just the beginning of their efforts to defend and uphold the principles of science in an increasingly uncertain world.
