Thousands of researchers and supporters of science took to the streets in more than 30 cities across the United States and Europe to protest against actions taken by the administration of US President Donald Trump. The rallies aimed to oppose the cuts to the US scientific workforce and reductions in research funding worldwide.
The atmosphere at the rallies was defiant, with chants such as “Scientists will not be silenced”, “Facts over fear” and “What do we want? Peer review! When do we want it? Now!” echoing through the streets. Quoting musician Bob Marley, Rush Holt Jr, former chief executive of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, urged the crowd in Trenton, New Jersey to “get up, stand up”.
In Boston, Ana-Maria Vranceanu, a psychologist at Harvard Medical School, expressed her concern about the current situation, stating, “This is the time to actually stop this, before things get really bad.” Similarly, Abraham Flaxman, a global-health metrics researcher at the University of Washington, emphasized the need for action, saying, “It’s dawned on me: nobody is coming to save us. We’re going to have to save ourselves.”
Marie Walde, a biophysicist at the Roscoff Biological Station in France, showed solidarity with her colleagues in the US by attending a rally in France and sharing her experience on social media.
The Stand Up for Science rallies were organized in response to the Trump administration’s actions that have severely impacted the US research enterprise. The administration has laid off thousands of workers from science agencies, frozen research grants, and attempted to slash funding for biomedical research institutions. These actions have raised concerns about the future of science and the impact on researchers and their work.
Speakers at the rallies highlighted the potential long-term consequences of the administration’s actions, with Nancy Kanwisher from Massachusetts Institute of Technology warning that “A generation of scientists will have been lost.” Atul Gawande, a public-health researcher, criticized the targeting of scientists by the administration, emphasizing that “science doesn’t always give the answers that power wants.”
Despite the challenges faced by the scientific community, the rallies provided a platform for scientists to voice their concerns and show solidarity. Valerie H., a software engineer working in crop science, highlighted the impact of recent mass firings on research and the importance of having a place to speak out.
While the impact of the rallies on policy changes remains uncertain, organizers are already discussing future plans to support advocacy and community engagement. Emma Courtney, a biologist at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, mentioned possible grant programs and training initiatives to help scientists develop advocacy skills.
In conclusion, the Stand Up for Science rallies have galvanized the scientific community and sparked discussions about the future of science advocacy. While the road ahead may be challenging, organizers and participants remain hopeful and committed to ensuring the integrity and accessibility of science for all.
