On Friday, thousands of academics, scientists, and supporters countrywide came together to express their opposition to the Trump administration’s proposed cuts to government agencies and research funding. The “Stand Up for Science” rally took place in over 30 cities across the U.S. and France, ending at the Lincoln Memorial in D.C.
Scientists Speak Out
Dr. Francis Collins, former director of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), addressed the crowd in Washington, expressing concerns over the future of scientific progress. He said he loves his country and feels concerned about its current state.
Collins highlighted how these funding cuts could hinder life-saving medical discoveries, as he was a vital player in the Human Genome Project. He picked up his guitar, decorated with a DNA double helix, and led a sing-along to unite students, doctors, and scientists in support of research funding.
Nationwide and International Support
While France hosted rallies, protests also spread from Seattle to Tallahassee. Nearly 1,000 people protested the administration’s funding cuts in Fort Collins, Colorado, by marching from Colorado State University to Old Town. Scholars and researchers expressed worries about layoffs and their effects on public health programs in Boston, New York, and other cities.
Recognizing the worldwide repercussions of restricting scientific research, experts in Toulouse and Nantes, France, united internationally.
The Threat to Scientific Progress
The proposed budget cuts target crucial programs at the NIH, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other agencies, jeopardizing research in cancer treatment, infectious diseases, and climate science.Experts warn that these changes will hinder medical progress and harm the country’s standing as a global leader in scientific innovation.
A Call to Action
As protests continue, supporters urge lawmakers to maintain funding for science and medicine. In his speech, Collins highlighted the need of advocating for evidence-based policies by saying, “This noble dream unites us.”
Source: USA Today
