Visit the AAAS Force for Science website to follow the latest updates related to AAAS advocacy activities.

AAAS and March for Science Partner to Uphold Science

Scientists have joined rallies like the one held in Boston on 19 February to show support for science and the process of discovery that has long delivered progress. | AnubisAbyss/Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

AAAS, the world’s largest general scientific organization, announced Thursday that it will partner with the March for Science, a nonpartisan set of activities that aim to promote science education and the use of scientific evidence to inform policy.

The March for Science has released a list of more than 25 initial partner organizations, including AAAS, and suggestions for science engagement activities at hundreds of locations throughout the United States and around the world to coincide with the previously announced March for Science rally in Washington, D.C., scheduled for 22 April. The activities may include “teach-ins,” science events, open houses and rallies.

AAAS CEO Rush Holt said, “AAAS will encourage and support its members and affiliate organizations to help make the March for Science a success. We see the activities collectively known as the March as a unique opportunity to communicate the importance, value and beauty of science. Participation in the March for Science is in keeping with AAAS’ long-standing mission to ‘advance science, engineering and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people.’”

AAAS’ support for the March for Science is based on shared recognition that scientists and engineers offer the public an open pathway to discovery that has deepened human understanding of the world and advanced innovations that have delivered significant economic benefits.

Both groups adhere to the understanding that it is necessary to protect the rights of scientists to pursue and communicate their inquiries unimpeded, expand the placement of scientists throughout the government, build public policies upon scientific evidence and support broad educational efforts to expand public understanding of the scientific process.

“There is a great deal of energy associated with the March for Science, and I believe it’s important that organizers and the science-loving public who participate in related events around the world ensure they are positive, non-partisan, educational and diverse,” said Holt.

[Associated image: AnubisAbyss/Flickr CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]