In response to significant cuts in federal scientific funding and staffing under the Trump administration, scientists and advocates organized a nationwide protest called “Stand Up for Science.” They gathered in cities across the U.S. and Europe to emphasize the critical role of scientific research in public health, safety, and the environment. Protesters, including early-career scientists, vocalized concerns about job losses, funding freezes, and the removal of essential climate data from public access.
In San Francisco, demonstrators rallied at Civic Center Plaza, holding signs that underscored the importance of scientific integrity. Notable speakers emphasized how scientific advancements benefit society and warned against the potential dangers of governmental policies undermining research. Among the speakers was Sara Heintzelman, who shared her experience of being fired from NOAA, highlighting widespread losses of expertise in the federal scientific workforce.
Across the Atlantic, scientists in Vienna expressed solidarity, noting similar anti-science sentiments emerging in their own country. In New York City, protests showcased the connection between scientific funding and public health, particularly regarding ongoing medical research. Participants stressed that cuts to funding could have devastating impacts on diseases like ALS, emphasizing that such funding cuts are a public concern.
Many speakers acknowledged the long-standing history of scientific censorship and the urgent need to combat anti-science movements. The unifying message across all protests was the vital necessity of preserving and promoting science as a fundamental aspect of societal progress. Scientists and supporters called for continued activism to defend scientific integrity and ensure that public policies reflect scientific truths.
