Worldwide Event Advocating for Scientific Research Integrity
Thousands March for Science in UK Cities
On Saturday, over 10,000 people gathered outside the Science Museum in London, joining a global movement called #MarchforScience. This movement, which has sparked more than 600 marches worldwide, aims to advocate for science-based policy making and increased support for research.
The event in London was a significant part of the international movement, with notable figures such as Jon Butterworth, Helen Czerski, Robin Ince, and even Dr Who star, Peter Capaldi, in attendance. Science communicator and author Roger Highfield wrote a blog outlining the importance of the event.
The demonstration started at the Science Museum and marched towards Parliament Square, passing key institutions like the Royal Society along the way. The marchers carried placards with chemical symbols and political slogans, reflecting the diverse range of issues the movement seeks to address.
One of the chants heard during the march was "What do we want? Evidence-based policy. When do we want it? After peer review." This chant encapsulates the movement's focus on evidence-based policy making and the importance of peer review in scientific research.
The organisers of the #MarchforScience emphasised the importance of highlighting science's key role in modern society. They believe that science is under threat from political and financial factors, and the marches aim to safeguard science from these threats, promote science literacy, and reinforce the essential role of scientific evidence in public policy.
The UK legs of the #MarchforScience are linked to wider efforts to counter political interference and budget cuts affecting scientific research, as seen in broader global movements against reductions in government funding and promotion of anti-scientific rhetoric. These rallies draw from a tradition of public science advocacy, aiming to elevate the visibility of science’s societal importance and push for policies aligned with scientific consensus, particularly in addressing major challenges like climate change.
The marches held in cities such as Bristol, Manchester, Cardiff, and Edinburgh were local manifestations of this global initiative. They align with historical UK efforts to enhance public engagement with science and respond to contemporary challenges that threaten science’s role in society.
References:
- #MarchforScience
- Public engagement with science in the UK
- The March for Science in the UK
The global #MarchforScience movement, exemplified by events in cities like London, extended its reach to social media platforms, encouraging advocacy for evidence-based policy making and increased funding for research under the hashtag #MarchforScience. Despite the manifestations in various cities, like Bristol, Manchester, Cardiff, and Edinburgh, this movement remains grounded in the entertainment industry, with notable figures from science and even television, such as Jon Butterworth, Helen Czerski, Robin Ince, and Peter Capaldi, lending their voices to the cause.
