Scientists around the globe will be taking to the streets on 22 April to “demonstrate [their] passion for science and sound a call to support and safeguard the scientific community.”
Born in the United States, the March for Science idea has spread and local marches will be taking place in many cities world-wide. Ecsite is inviting science engagement professionals to join their local March.
More about the March – objectives and values
This is a summary of the March for Science website’s sections on mission and principles and goals.
“The March for Science champions robustly funded and publicly communicated science as a pillar of human freedom and prosperity. We unite as a diverse, nonpartisan group to call for science that upholds the common good and for political leaders and policy makers to enact evidence based policies in the public interest.”
“The March for Science is a celebration of science. It's not about scientists or politicians; it is about the very real role that science plays in each of our lives and the need to respect and encourage research that gives us insight into the world. Nevertheless, the march has generated a great deal of conversation around whether or not scientists should involve themselves in politics. In the face of an alarming trend toward discrediting scientific consensus and restricting scientific discovery, we might ask instead: can we afford not to speak out in its defense?”
Core Principles
- Science that serves the common good
- Evidence-based policy and regulations in the public interest
- Cutting-edge science education
- Diversity and Inclusion in STEM
- Open, honest science and inclusive public outreach
- Funding for scientific research and its applications
Goals for the March
- Humanize science
- Partner with the public
- Advocate for open, inclusive, and accessible science
- Support scientists
- Affirm science as a democratic value
What is the link with science engagement and Ecsite?
This might sound obvious, but science engagement… needs science. Open, democratic, inclusive science engagement needs… open, democratic, inclusive science.
The scientists and organisations organising and participating in the March are championing a vision of science that has obvious affinities with the ethos of the science engagement community and strongly echoes Ecsite’s own mission (to foster creativity and critical thinking in European society, emboldening citizens to engage with science) and values (cooperation, diversity and inclusiveness, professionalism and integrity, creativity and innovation, active citizenship).
The March is urging scientists to champion inclusive STEM education, to partner with the public and to anchor their work in societal concerns and to participate in two-way dialogues with citizens: “We join together as scientists and supporters of science to embody the importance of partnerships formed between scientists and the broader community. Science works best when scientists share our findings with and engage the communities we serve in shaping, sharing, and participating in the research process. We also look to the public for inspiration about what new questions need to be asked about the world around us.” As science engagement professionals, we are strong advocates of this societally responsible approach to science.