March For Science 2018: What Organizers are Fighting For This Year

In its second year, the March for Science will bring scientists, researchers and technologists together for over 250 rallies on Saturday, April 14.

Thousands of protesters around the world will to advocate for science policies to be involved in policymaker's everyday conversations.

"The march is a focus on advocating for equitable evidence and based policies to serve the common good. We're making it clear that people want and need science to be a part of a political conversation," said Dr. Caroline Weinberg, interim director of the March for Science told Newsweek.

Weinberg clarified the march is not an attack on President Donald Trump or his administration on their stance on science-based evidence. Rather, the march aims to make sure science and research are discussed in a political environment.

"I think it's a mistake to make the conversation around science advocacy around Trump. This has been happening for decades," said Weinberg. "I think people were concerned there would be an escalation, but it's not a new thing. There are still things that need to be fighting for."

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Participants with protest signs at rally for Science on Earth Day, 22 April 2017, in Tucson, Arizona. This year, the march will focus on making sure all lawmakers are discussing science and research policies in... Getty Images

Weinberg said she has learned a lot from last year's efforts, which included some organizational trouble. Among the lessons was the importance of making sure all rallies across the globe are important, not just the one happening in Washington D.C.

"One of the most simultaneous things I learned last year was there is no standardized process," said Weinberg. "Organizers all over the country have created a community to help each other, which is a great network to see. They are helping with things going on in other cities with a community of other advocates."

While there is still a lot of work to do when it comes to making science and research an important topic of discussion among lawmakers, the director noted some positive changes in the world of science this year.

"There was the most increase in funding to science research, and some anti-science candidates that have not been appointed into office," said Weinberg. "We still need to be advocating. Right now, we have to make sure not just what's in the news but science advocacy in general and constantly sending a message to their local officials."

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American citizens with protest signs at rally for Science on Earth Day, 22 April 2017, in Tucson, Arizona. Getty Images

Weinberg and organizers are also planning actions after the march by holding outreach events and holding letter writing campaigns.

"We're hitting the ground running as soon as this march is over. We're building on thriving community of year-round advocates," said Weinberg. "This is not a one day march and not just one year of voting. We're working with organizations all over the world to spend the year advocating for change."

Uncommon Knowledge

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.

About the writer


Maria Perez is a breaking news reporter for Newsweek. She has an M.A in Urban Reporting from the CUNY Graduate School ... Read more

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