Worldwide Demonstration for Scientific Advancement
The **March for Science** movement, a global initiative advocating for science-based policies and evidence-based decision-making, took place on Saturday, attracting thousands of people worldwide. The event, which started in Washington DC in 2017, has since grown to over 600 marches across the globe, including cities in the UK such as Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, and Edinburgh.
The movement was sparked by concerns over political policies perceived as hostile to scientific research and evidence-based policy making. The Trump administration's climate change denial, plans to cut science funding, and censorship of scientific information were key triggers for the movement. However, the March for Science emphasizes the importance of science for public good and policy, going beyond traditional civil rights demonstrations or political marches.
The main objectives of the movement include promoting support and funding for scientific research, advocating for policies grounded in scientific evidence, defending the integrity and independence of the scientific community, increasing public awareness and engagement with science-related issues, and championing diversity within science and inclusive participation across demographics.
The London event saw over 10,000 people gather outside the Science Museum. Notable attendees included comedian and Infinite Monkey Cage presenter Robin Ince, Dr Who star Peter Capaldi, and esteemed scientists such as Jon Butterworth and Helen Czerski. Science communicators like Roger Highfield, an author and Science Museum executive, also lent their support, penning a blog outlining the importance of science.
The demonstration, which marched to Parliament Square passing the Royal Society, delivered chants such as "What do we want? Evidence-based policy. When do we want it? After peer review". Chemical symbols were displayed on placards, symbolising the movement's commitment to scientific rigour and objectivity.
The March for Science is a grassroots, global movement that emphasizes collective action, with no single leading spokesperson or founder. It builds upon a history of activism rooted in scientific and environmental advocacy traditions, similar to earlier movements such as Earth Day, which originated in 1970 as a teach-in to raise awareness about ecological issues.
The movement continues to gain momentum, with events and marches associated with it taking place across various countries, often aligning with Earth Day celebrations or other important dates connected to science advocacy. The March for Science remains a testament to the global community's commitment to upholding the importance of science in modern society.
The March for Science movement, in addition to advocating for science-based policies, also emphasizes the significance of science in the realm of health-and-wellness, as evidence-based health decisions often hinge on scientific research. The inspiring gathering in London underscored the movement's commitment to fitness-and-exercise, with attendees sporting fitness-themed placards, symbolizing the connection between scientific research and personal well-being.
