About Us

Stand Up For Science is a political activism organization dedicated to defending and advancing America’s scientific ecosystem, a cornerstone of democracy, freedom, and progress.

Founded in February 2025, we came together in response to the Trump Administration's dismantling of our nation's premier science institutions and escalating threats to the lives and livelihoods of Americans. We recognized these attacks for what they are: authoritarian powergrabs.

We believe that science is the lifeblood of American democracy and freedom. With a bold strategy combining activism, messaging campaigns, grassroots organizing, and political advocacy, we’re mobilizing the fight for science and democracy, now and for generations to come.

Mission Statement

Our mission is to mobilize the fight for science and democracy.

 

15+

Staff Members

Our team spans scientists, former career public servants, veteran progressive movement builders, marketing experts, former Hill staffers, and social media mavens.

Thousands of volunteer activists

We have SUFS locals across the nation, activists in every state and PR, and almost every congressional district.

Who We Are 

  • Stand Up for Science was born in February 2025 amid devastating funding cuts to federal science programs, censorship of research, and attacks on public servants.  

    In just under 30 days, we mobilized over 100 volunteers to organize over 30 official Stand Up for Science rallies on March 7th, 2025, with 150 satellite demonstrations occurring in cities across the United States and around the world.

    We started with three policy goals:

    1. End Censorship and Political Interference in Science

    2. Secure and Expand Scientific Funding

    3. Defend and support programs that offer equal opportunity for ALL people to become scientists, participate in scientific research, and be the focus of evidence-based scientific inquiry

    Our grassroots movement received media coverage from local, national, and international outlets, including Science, Nature, The New York Times, Forbes Magazine, Scientific American, STAT News, and The Scientist, among others.

    Now, as a 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, we’re building the political machinery to fight for science, and take back Congress.

  • Board of Directors

    • Colette Delawalla

    • Stephen King

    • Bethany Teachman, PhD.

    Science Advisory Board

    • Michael Mann, PhD.

    • Kate Starbird, PhD.

    • Jeremy Berg, PhD.

    • Ticora V. Jones, PhD.

    • Victor Ambros ,PhD.

    • Carol Greider, PhD.

    • Ardem Patapoutian, PhD.

    • Joshua Weitz, PhD.

Colette Delawalla, MA, MS

Founder and Executive Director

Stephen King

Chief of Staff

Thomas Kennon

Chief Marketing Strategist

Miriam Bassi

Editorial Director

Brynn Paulsen

Social Media Manager

Brian Lovett, PhD

Chief Data Officer

Jessika Jackson

Executive Assistant to ED

Jemarie Rubillia

Organizational Management

Matison McCool, PhD

Basebuilding Support Staff

Vincent Vertuccio

Government Relations Director

Lara Campbell, PhD

Fundraising Director

Zac Vargo

Government Relations Associate

Ella Weber

Communications Director

Dillon Burr

Government Relations Associate

Ning Chang

Social Media Management

Janelle-Regina Deseo

Administrative Associate

What We Do 

  • We oust the quacks – Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr and his gang of pseudo-science peddlers.

  • In 2026, we take back Congress.

The fight for science and democracy starts now.

How We Do It 

Our strategy to counter the Trump Administration’s anti-science and authoritarian agenda.

  • Build the political power to protect and defend America’s scientific ecosystem, starting with the 2026 midterm elections.

  • Shape the public narrative on science through cutting edge communications.

  • Influence policies to keep American science strong, independent, and vital to democracy.