Thousands of scientists, students, and supporters marched across major cities in the United States and France this week, demanding urgent action to stop drastic funding cuts to scientific research. The demonstrations, organized under the banner “Stand Up for Science 2025,” were a direct response to recent policy decisions under the Trump administration that include significant budget reductions and the controversial dismissal of government scientists.
The movement has quickly gained momentum, drawing support from international research bodies, university communities, and the general public concerned about the future of science.
The protests began in Washington, D.C., where more than 10,000 people gathered near the National Mall, holding placards that read “Science is Not Optional” and “Without Research, There Is No Progress.” Similar rallies were reported in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York City. In France, scientists marched in Paris, Marseille, and Lyon, voicing solidarity and concern over mirrored trends in European research funding.
These protests follow months of increasing tension within the scientific community. The Trump administration’s proposed 2025 federal budget includes deep cuts to institutions such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the National Science Foundation (NSF), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Notably, more than 300 government-employed scientists have reportedly been dismissed or asked to resign in the past six months.
Read more about the NIH funding cut proposal here
Many researchers argue that these funding cuts are not just numbers on a spreadsheet — they have real-world consequences. Critical studies on climate change, vaccine development, agricultural resilience, and public health could face delays or cancellation altogether. Labs have already reported halted projects, layoffs, and restricted access to necessary equipment.
Dr. Sarah Kim, a molecular biologist at the University of California, said during the protest in San Francisco:
“The message this government is sending is that science doesn’t matter. We are here to say that it does — to our health, economy, and future.”
Academic institutions are also feeling the pressure. Universities across the U.S. have begun to prepare for reduced grant opportunities and less federal support, which may limit student research programs and postdoctoral employment.
Explore how funding cuts impact university science labs
In France, the protests were driven by a similar climate of concern. President Emmanuel Macron’s government recently proposed a 7% reduction in public research investment, triggering backlash from the country’s largest science unions. Thousands gathered in Paris with slogans like “Science Is a Global Language” and “Knowledge Is a Human Right.”
French climatologist Dr. Laurent Chevalier stated:
“What’s happening in the U.S. affects all of us. If America retreats from global science leadership, the whole world suffers. This is not just a local issue — it’s global.”
While some Republican lawmakers defended the budget as necessary for “balancing national priorities,” the backlash from the scientific community has drawn criticism even from moderate voices within the party. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) expressed concern about the long-term effects of underfunding research, especially in the areas of climate adaptation and healthcare.
The White House has remained largely silent on the protests, although an official spokesperson commented:
“The administration believes in science and supports research that aligns with the nation’s strategic interests.”
Such statements, however, have done little to ease the growing fear among researchers.
See public reaction to the White House’s stance on science funding
What makes the 2025 protest different from past rallies is the strong involvement of youth. College campuses have become centers of activism, with students organizing teach-ins, open lectures, and community outreach campaigns to raise awareness. Social media has also played a major role, with hashtags like #StandUpForScience and #ScienceUnderAttack trending worldwide.
Jessica Alvarez, a 23-year-old graduate student in microbiology, said in New York:
“We are the next generation of scientists, and we refuse to be silenced or sidelined. This fight is for our future.”
The protests also featured notable guest speakers, including Nobel laureates, climate experts, and science educators, all emphasizing the non-partisan nature of scientific truth.
The Stand Up for Science 2025 movement has put forward a clear list of demands:
Organizers have announced a nationwide “Science Week of Action” scheduled for early June, which will include more demonstrations, lobbying efforts, and educational outreach.
Join the upcoming Science Week of Action here
At its heart, the Stand Up for Science 2025 movement is not just about funding or jobs — it’s about the soul of progress. Scientific research has fueled medical breakthroughs, protected the environment, and driven technology that defines modern life. To weaken its foundation is to risk the future.
The message from protesters is clear: Science matters. And it’s worth fighting for.
Also Read – NEA Takes Strong Stand to Protect Immigrant Students Future
Standing tall against the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, Chicago’s skyline is more than a…
Chicago’s Riverwalk is more than just a scenic stretch of waterfront—it’s a celebration of the…
New York City is vast and ever-changing, but no borough captures its creative pulse quite…
When Resorts World Las Vegas opened its doors in 2021, it was billed as a…
Las Vegas may be known for over-the-top luxury, but it also offers something wonderfully unexpected—world-famous…
Las Vegas has always been synonymous with extravagance, but in 2025, the city’s most elite…