Guest Post: A Reflection On The March For Science

The conditions in Washington D.C. on Saturday could not have been more perfect. Thousands of D.C. residents and folks from all over the country were there for an epic March for Science in celebration of science, Earth Day and all things Bill Nye the Science Guy (he was there too, by the way).

The March began at 2pm, starting from the Washington Monument and ending at The Capitol Building.  Chants could be heard ringing through the streets of the District, occasionally accompanied by a cowbell – at other times a trumpet.  “What do we want? Evidence-based science! When do we want it? Now!” my colleague Nicole Longchamp’s voice was heard as she was seen holding up a “Save the Whales” sign.  Aerial views would reveal a spotted sea of pink, knitted “brain” hats and lab coats. 

We were lucky enough to catch the speakers at the National Mall who were addressing the need to “champion robustly funded and publicly communicated science.”  Many also voiced their concerns over the proposed $12.6 billion cut to the funding for the Department of Health and Human Services. 

This was a celebration of science… not only about scientists and politicians, but also the very real role that science plays in each of our lives.