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Introduction
The “Stand Up for Science” protests, taking place today, March 7, 2025, across the United States, represent a significant mobilization of the scientific community against policies that threaten research funding and inclusivity. With a primary rally at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C., and 31 additional events nationwide, these protests bring together researchers, students, and science advocates to defend evidence-based policy and the role of diversity in scientific excellence. The Stand Up for Science protest 2025 highlights these essential issues.
The Purpose of the “Stand Up for Science” Movement
The protests are a response to a series of policies under the Trump administration that critics argue undermine scientific progress. These policies include:
- Funding freezes and budget cuts: Reductions in federal research grants that jeopardize ongoing studies and innovation.
- Mass layoffs in federal scientific agencies: Thousands of employees in organizations such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) have been dismissed, reducing institutional scientific capacity.
- Censorship of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) efforts: Restrictions placed on DEIA initiatives within federally funded research institutions, affecting recruitment and representation in STEM fields.
These policies echo previous concerns raised during the 2017 March for Science, but the 2025 movement has a more targeted approach, focusing on both research sustainability and inclusivity.
Who Organized the “Stand Up for Science” Protests?
Unlike previous large-scale science advocacy protests led by established organizations, “Stand Up for Science” is a grassroots effort primarily driven by early-career researchers. The movement has gathered momentum through social media and word of mouth, with over 100 volunteers coordinating efforts in different cities across the country.
Key Organizers
The leadership team consists of five key individuals who have been at the forefront of mobilizing the scientific community:
- Colette Delawalla – A clinical psychologist at Emory University who initially called for national action via social media, helping to form the core team.
- Emma Courtney – A doctoral candidate in biology at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, responsible for much of the logistical planning for the Washington, D.C. rally.
- J.P. Flores – An academic affiliated with UNC Chapel Hill, instrumental in connecting organizers from different states.
- Sam Goldstein – A health behavior researcher at the University of Florida who has worked on outreach and volunteer coordination.
- Leslie Berntsen – Founder of the think tank stemEDify, contributing strategic planning and media engagement.
The Stand Up for Science movement has emphasized that this is not a one-time event but part of an ongoing effort to advocate for science as a public good. Organizers were inspired by the 2017 March for Science but have taken a more decentralized and grassroots approach, ensuring that participation is accessible to researchers at all levels.
The Unexpected Detail: A Student-Led Movement
While many protests of this scale are often led by established scientific institutions, “Stand Up for Science” is unique in that it is driven by graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists. This bottom-up approach highlights the urgency that younger generations of scientists feel regarding the future of research funding, job security, and inclusivity in the field.
Locations and Timing of Protests
The “Stand Up for Science” movement spans across 32 major cities in the U.S., with the Washington, D.C. rally at the Lincoln Memorial running from 12 PM to 4 PM EST. Other cities are hosting coordinated protests at state capitols and prominent landmarks. Given the time difference across zones, some rallies are currently underway, while others are set to begin later in the day.
Official Rally Locations and Times:
| State | City | Location | Time (Local) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | Birmingham | Railroad Park | 12 PM-3 PM |
| Arkansas | Little Rock | State Capitol | 11 AM-2 PM |
| California | Sacramento | State Capitol | 12 PM-4 PM |
| California | San Francisco | Civic Center Plaza | 1 PM-3 PM |
| Colorado | Denver | State Capitol | 1 PM-4 PM |
| Connecticut | Hartford | State Capitol | 12 PM-6 PM |
| D.C. | Washington | Lincoln Memorial | 12 PM-4 PM |
| Florida | Tallahassee | State Capitol | 12 PM-4 PM |
| Georgia | Atlanta | State Capitol – Liberty Plaza | 12 PM-4 PM |
| Illinois | Chicago | Federal Plaza | 12 PM-3 PM |
| Indiana | Indianapolis | Indiana Statehouse – South Lawn | 12 PM-2 PM |
| Kansas | Topeka | Kansas Statehouse – South Side | 12 PM-2 PM |
| Kentucky | Frankfort | State Capitol | 12 PM-4 PM |
| Massachusetts | Boston | State Capitol | 12 PM-4 PM |
| Michigan | Lansing | Michigan State Capitol | 12 PM-4 PM |
| Minnesota | St. Paul | State Capitol | 3 PM-5 PM |
| Missouri | Jefferson City | State Capitol | 12 PM-3 PM |
| New York | New York City | Washington Square Park | 12 PM-3 PM |
| Ohio | Columbus | Ohio Statehouse, West Plaza | 12 PM-3 PM |
| Oregon | Salem | State Capitol | 12 PM-4 PM |
| Pennsylvania | Philadelphia | Philadelphia City Hall | 11 AM-1 PM |
| Pennsylvania | Pittsburgh | Schenley Plaza | 11 AM-1:30 PM |
| Texas | Austin | Texas State Capitol | 4 PM-7 PM |
| Washington | Seattle | Seattle Center – Mural Amphitheater Lawn | 12 PM-3 PM |
Science Should Be Free from Politics and Agendas
While many support the protest’s aims, others argue that science must remain free of politics and social agendas. Critics of initiatives like DEIA in scientific research contend that merit-based, results-driven work should be the sole determinant of funding and academic opportunity.
Science, they argue, is built upon the scientific method—hypothesis, experimentation, and verification—not political ideology. Injecting external agendas into research risks prioritizing optics over truth, potentially diluting scientific rigor. Funding decisions, they argue, should be based on the value of the research itself, rather than broader social considerations.
Renowned scientists, including Nobel laureate Richard Feynman, emphasized that science must adhere to objective truths, not public opinion or social trends. Many opponents of politicization in science fear that advocacy-driven funding can lead to bias, distorting the integrity of research outcomes.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The “Stand Up for Science” protests on March 7, 2025, mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for scientific funding and inclusivity. The movement underscores the necessity of science in shaping policies and improving lives. Attendees and supporters are encouraged to visit the official website at Stand Up for Science for real-time updates and ways to get involved.
This collective action serves as a reminder that science is not just a field of study—it is a public good that benefits all of society. However, ensuring that science remains driven by objective truths, rigorous methodology, and apolitical standards remains just as vital to preserving its credibility and progress.
