RESEARCH CONDITIONS. On April 22,scientists and their supporters in the United States will conduct a demonstration for research, March for Science. The aim is to show support for the use of science and evidence-based research policy. The great march will be held in Washington, D.C. but similar marches will be held around the United States, and even in Gothenburg – also on 22 April.
March for Science Gothenburg is organized by the International Science Festival and takes place on April 22. For updates about the planned march follow it on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/725095677668276/permalink/737160353128475/
The American organizers of the march emphasizes that they are not just fighting for more money for research, or more influence in politics. It is also about raising awareness of the work of scientists. One of the organizers, science journalist Caroline Weinberg, was recently interviewed in the magazine The Chronicle of Higher Education.
Caroline Weinberg believes that research is about getting the truth. One of the motives for the march is the notion that science must have more weight than personal opinions or beliefs of decision makers. Another motive for marching is to create contact between scientists and society. The public needs to feel more involved in research and the problems it tackles.
The upcoming march has been criticized for potentially creating a gap between researchers and legislators, but according to Caroline Weinberg the critics have a too short term in sight. Scientists have long accepted an anti-scientific agenda in politics. What is happening now is nothing new. Now is the time for scientists to stand up for their work and for science.
Caroline Weinberg states that the kind of research that is threatened regards things that interest the public, such as climate change. About 40 percent of those who have already offered to help with the march are researchers. The rest are those who support research. It is not about scientists but of research.
Read more about March for Science on its web page: https://www.marchforscience.com/
