Hundreds of scientists gathered in Los Angeles on Friday to protest against the Trump administration’s policies that they believe threaten scientific research and integrity. The rally took place outside the Wilshire Federal Building, drawing graduate students and professors from local universities like USC and UCLA. This event was part of a nationwide movement called "Stand Up for Science," inspired by the March for Science held in 2017.
Participants held signs with messages like “What would Albert do?” alongside a picture of Albert Einstein. They expressed their frustration over recent job cuts at major science agencies, including the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. The Trump administration has also pulled the U.S. out of the Paris climate agreement again and attempted to censor research by removing certain terms from scientific papers.
Judith Currier, a professor of medicine at UCLA, spoke at the rally, saying, “We have seen incredible disarray and attempts to dismantle a very effective research infrastructure in this country. And we have to say, enough is enough.” The rally was one of at least 32 held across the country, including a large march in Washington, D.C.
Duke Han, a USC professor, noted that the interference in science has become more significant. He mentioned that his institution has become hesitant to make offers to graduate students, and a crucial grant for Alzheimer’s research is delayed. Han said many scientists are now becoming politically active, which is a shift from the traditionally nonpartisan nature of the field.
The effects of funding cuts are concerning for many. Younger scientists worry about the future of research opportunities in the U.S., with one international student from UCLA expressing her disappointment about the current situation. Katherine Karlsgodt, an associate professor at UCLA, helped organize the rally and emphasized that funding changes could derail scientific and medical research, impacting universities and their ability to train students.
The movement behind these protests began with a social media post from Colette Delawalla, a graduate student at Emory University, who called for a national protest for science. This call resonated with many in the scientific community, leading to the formation of Stand Up for Science.
As the rally continued, participants shared a mix of anger and hope, united in their message. The event highlighted the importance of defending scientific integrity and funding in the face of political challenges, with many attendees believing that their collective voice can lead to meaningful change.