Hundreds of scientists gathered in Los Angeles on a sunny Friday to protest the policy changes implemented by the Trump administration, marking a day of nationwide demonstrations against perceived threats to research and science. The rallying cry echoed across the Wilshire Federal Building, drawing graduate students and professors from USC and UCLA under the banner of the Stand Up for Science movement.
The backdrop of the rally was laden with poignant signs, one particularly striking read “What would Albert do?” accompanied by an image of Einstein. Among the attendees was Judith Currier, a professor of medicine at UCLA, who expressed her frustration at the disarray and dismantling of the research infrastructure in the country. She emphasized the importance of taking a stand against the administration’s attempts to cut jobs, withdraw from global agreements, and reduce funding for research institutions.
The protesters, including Duke Han, a professor at USC, highlighted the growing significance of interference in science, prompting them to become politically active. Han shared his personal experience of delays in funding for Alzheimer’s disease research, reflecting the tangible impact of policy changes on scientific pursuits. The sentiment resonated with many at the rally, emphasizing the ripple effect that funding cuts can have on biomedical research, pharmaceutical development, and the opportunities available for young scientists.
Katherine Karlsgodt, an associate professor at UCLA, voiced her concerns about the detrimental effects of altered funding on scientific and medical research, as well as university budgets and student training. The urgency to defend science and academia culminated in the organization of the Los Angeles rally, spearheaded by Dylan Hughes, a PhD student at UCLA. The event gained traction through grassroots efforts, with 300 people RSVPing by the eve of the protest.
The atmosphere at the rally was a blend of anger, alarm, hope, and solidarity, as attendees exchanged ideas and flashed witty signs to passing cars on Wilshire Boulevard. The event also saw a lighthearted touch with a dog donning a sign that humorously protested the Department of Government Efficiency. The movement that started as a simple online post by Colette Delawalla, a graduate student at Emory University, quickly gained momentum, evolving into the Stand Up for Science initiative.
The overarching goal of the movement is to combat political interference, restore research funding, and uphold diversity and accessibility in the field of science. The energy and passion exhibited at the rally in Los Angeles underscored a collective resolve to effect change and protect the integrity of scientific research. As Dylan Hughes aptly summarized, “This is a really dark time for science and for humanity, but there’s an energy that we’ve created here that’s really helpful and has the power to change the world.”
