The second annual March for Science rallies are a call to action. And a showcase for great signs.
In America and other parts of the world, the scientific community has been under attack — and last year, organizers put together the first-ever March for Science.
Like so many of the rallies that sprang up in the wake of President Trump's election, the first March for Science helped inspire some hilarious and insightful signage that captured a moment in time:
May the second #MarchForScience tomorrow be a tipping point toward returning science to policy decisions. (picture… https://t.co/IjazHiRI9G— Laurel Standley, Ph.D. 🌎 #ActOnClimate (@Laurel Standley, Ph.D. 🌎 #ActOnClimate) 1523679922
And this year may be even better. On April 14, the second annual series of marches took place and instantly went viral, rising to the top of Twitter and Instagram as people shared stories and pictures of signs from rallies across the globe.
Once again, fans of science got incredibly crafty.
Great to be back in D.C. for the day #marchforscience
A post shared by Cornelia Samara (@corneliasamara) on
My sign for the #MarchforScience 👩🔬 https://t.co/SeDNBurcpX— 🎃 lil vulpix 🦇 (@🎃 lil vulpix 🦇) 1523500124
Others made it clear that nerds have excellent senses of humor.
The puns are out! #MarchForScience https://t.co/6vwRDitI4S— Eva Botkin-Kowacki (@Eva Botkin-Kowacki) 1523726864
Damn I love scientists. 😂🌍😂🌎😂🌏 #MarchForScience #EPA #TheResistance #FirePruitt https://t.co/BFHir1uqqG— nicki 🌊 (@nicki 🌊) 1523727127
Some of the signs near the stage at the #MarchForScience https://t.co/wVvJLOHjFW— Ryan Miller (@Ryan Miller) 1523715082
And so do dogs, apparently.
Some made serious points about the importance of science.
Wake up America #marchforscience #climatechangeisreal 🌏
A post shared by Cortney Gensemer (@portraitsplease) on
Alok is at the #MarchForScience in #NYC . Rally has started Was Sq Park, I'll speak in a bit, march to Wall St at n… https://t.co/nUL4zM4vOE— Laurie Garrett (@Laurie Garrett) 1523715906
While a few let themselves get a little angry.
A post shared by Robert Hubbell (@robert_b_hubbell) on
A post shared by NYC March for Science (@marchforsciencenyc) on
Some signs were purely inspirational about the power and potential of science.
we will not be silent this spring 🌍✊🏼 #marchforscience #thesilentspring #rachelcarson
A post shared by Samantha 🌹 (@sammibaobei) on
The main rally was held in Washington, D.C., and quickly spread to more than 600 cities around the world.
Photo by Rajesh Jantilal/Getty Images.
You see how cool science is? Nigeria is Marching!!! @ScienceMarchDC #MarchforScience https://t.co/oOt2tR1jx6— Modesta Abugu (@Modesta Abugu) 1523691718
Narrandera has now been added as an official #MarchForScience location! https://t.co/GIxbFvB2F0— Fiona Fully Vaxxed 💉💉💉Califragilistic (@Fiona Fully Vaxxed 💉💉💉Califragilistic) 1523680708
Take a picture with Beaker and learn about the #ScienceRising movement at #ScienceMarchBoston! #MarchForScience https://t.co/getCEXuIzS— The Science Network (@The Science Network) 1523726919
It's a shame that science is under attack. But it's inspiring to see how many people are marching to support those whose work is changing the world for the better.
There's nothing wrong with debate. Challenging assumptions, eliminating false evidence is literally at the heart of the scientific method. Unfortunately, the argument has shifted toward one about the nature of science itself. That's a shame.
Science and technology are arguably the greatest force for good in our world today, affecting virtually every aspect of our lives. Still, the March for Science rallies show that those who support scientific progress aren't about to be pushed out of the conversation.
If you couldn't make it to one of the rallies but still want your voice heard, the scientists have got a solution for you:
Advocates sent over 5,000 emails demanding that their reps advocate for Next Generation Science Standards. Join us… https://t.co/looTh7YPgL— March For Science (@March For Science) 1523728735