Today's Read Contributor On March 7, 2025, thousands of scientists, researchers, and supporters took to the streets in over 30 U.S. cities and more than 30 locations in France to participate in the “Stand Up for Science 2025” rallies. These demonstrations were organized in response to recent policy changes under the Trump administration that have significantly impacted scientific research funding and employment opportunities, drawing attention to the need for greater support for science and research in the face of mounting global challenges.
The central event of the day took place at the iconic Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., where around 2,000 participants gathered to voice their concerns about the government’s treatment of science and researchers. The rally in D.C. was one of many held in major cities across the U.S., including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, as well as smaller communities throughout the country. Similar events were organized internationally, with solidarity rallies taking place in French cities such as Paris and Lyon, highlighting the global nature of the movement.
Protesters at the rallies called for an end to the freeze on scientific grants and the reinstatement of crucial diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility initiatives within the scientific community. They also demanded the reversal of recent dismissals of government scientists, which had caused widespread concern about the future of federally funded research. The rallies underscored the growing sense of urgency within the scientific community, as researchers and advocates pushed for stronger protections for science and a reinvestment in research funding to address issues like climate change, public health, and technological advancement.
A significant theme of the demonstrations was the call for expanded funding for scientific research. Protesters emphasized that addressing pressing global challenges, such as the climate crisis, pandemics, and energy sustainability, requires substantial investment in science and technology. Many participants argued that the current political climate—marked by cuts to research budgets and a growing disregard for scientific expertise—threatens the ability of scientists to make meaningful progress in these critical areas.
The rallies also marked a broader push for the U.S. government to acknowledge the value of science not only for its contributions to innovation and progress but also for its role in safeguarding public health and well-being. The protesters highlighted the importance of basing public policy on evidence and research, rather than political ideologies. For many, the marches represented not just a protest, but a call to action to ensure that science remains a cornerstone of national and global policy decision-making.
In France, solidarity events drew attention to the shared challenges faced by scientists around the world. Participants in cities such as Paris and Lyon expressed their support for the U.S. scientific community’s struggle while also advocating for the continuation of robust scientific funding and policy in France. The international nature of the demonstrations reinforced the idea that the health of the global scientific community is interconnected, with policy decisions in one country affecting researchers worldwide.
The Stand Up for Science 2025 rallies have captured the attention of policymakers and the general public, raising awareness of the challenges facing the scientific community. As the protests continue to draw attention to the importance of investing in science, many hope that these demonstrations will prompt a shift in political priorities, emphasizing the need for sustainable funding, diversity, and support for the scientific workforce.
As the movement continues to grow, the message is clear: scientists and advocates are calling for a future in which science is treated as a priority rather than a political pawn, and where funding and support are directed toward addressing some of the most urgent issues facing the planet.
