This coming Saturday, on April 22, 2017, the world will march for science. Organized by scientists and inspired by the Women’s March on Washington, which took place this January, The March for Science aims to show an unignorably grand gesture with thousands gathering in Washington, D.C. and hundreds of thousands more at the 500 plus satellite marches. The aim of the march is to “champion robustly funded and publicly communicated science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity.”
Having taken a deliberately outside of politics view point, the march will unite science supporters from many backgrounds in order to encourage political leaders and policy makers to enact evidence based policies and ensure the right to scientific knowledge for all.
“The application of science to policy is not a partisan issue. Anti-science agendas and policies have been advanced by politicians on both sides of the aisle, and they harm everyone — without exception. Science should neither serve special interests nor be rejected based on personal convictions. At its core, science is a tool for seeking answers. It can and should influence policy and guide our long-term decision-making,” states the event’s website as a part of its mission.
People are gearing up around the world to show their support for science. And while many hold different reasons for their support, the core message is the same: we need science. Bangladesh March for Science’s lead organizer Arif Hossain says: “I am marching to let the world know that we are united for science in Bangladesh. We have 160 million people to feed in the changed climate, and together we will make a better day with science and innovation.”
Nkechi Isaac, an organizer of the March for Science in Abuja, Nigeria, says: “Science is revolutionary. It holds the key to constant development and improvement for addressing climate change, food shortage and challenges in medicine. Science holds the solution to our food security.”
Science plays a critical role in each of our lives and every individual deserves the right to question, investigate, and share results for the better of the general public. Within the United States, there is currently a frightening tendency to dismiss, discredit, and even censure scientists and their science. The march aims to unite millions together in order to combat such sentiment, reminding us that together with science, we all stand stronger.
To join a march or organize your own, check out this site.
Sources: The Guardian, March for Science, NY Times
