PRESS
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE CELEBRATES PROTECTION OF NSF’S OCEAN MONITORING PROGRAM
18 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Just a few weeks after the announcement of its intent to dismantle the $368M Ocean Observatories Initiative, the Trump Administration is now walking back that plan. Following public outcry from science advocacy organizations like Stand Up for Science and bipartisan backlash, the Senate passed a measure this week to prevent the system from being dismantled.
This is a victory for science — it shows that raising our voices together and pushing back WORKS. We’ll never stop fighting back against these kinds of short-sighted, uninformed, irresponsible, and illegal attempts to dismantle our scientific assets.
said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
In late May, the National Science Foundation announced its plans to scale back the program and remove all “in-water infrastructure” from sites in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The global network of more than 900 in-ocean sensors provides continuous monitoring of ocean conditions and is a crucial part of early warning systems of severe weather like hurricanes and tropical storms.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE FACILITATES OVER 6,600 PUBLIC COMMENTS ON FEDERAL REGISTER IN RESPONSE TO OMB’S ATTEMPTED TAKEOVER OF FEDERAL FUNDING RULES
18 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Following the launch of Stand Up for Science’s Stop Vought, Save Science Action Centerearlier this month, individuals and organizations have submitted over 6,600 public comments through the site’s comment portal, expressing widespread concern over the proposed rule. To date, the proposal has received over 30,000 total comments, with Stand Up for Science facilitating over twenty percent of them.
Dr. Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science released the following statement:
We are energized by the outpouring of support for American science, and we’re just getting started. The public recognizes that it’s not just science that’s under attack — the rule’s broad termination authority puts a wide range of non-profit, community-based, educational, Tribal, and state and local entities at severe risk of losing funding. The most vulnerable populations will take the biggest hit, as usual. This proposal is an attempt to codify the cruelty of cutting valuable programs that we’ve already seen from the Trump administration over the past year.
In addition to the comment portal, Stand Up for Science’s Action Center provides an overview of the proposed OMB rule and its implications, a guide for writing comments, and a guide for talking to anyone about the proposal’s impacts. SUFS is also holding weekly Rapid Response Hours to provide live, hands-on help with comments.
SUFS and other organizations requested an extension to the 45-day comment period, which ends July 13, 2026. The rule is a sweeping overhaul of the foundational rules governing all federal funding, including grants. The proposal would place heavy restrictions on international collaborations and gives Trump officials complete power over which grants are funded, including authority to stop any grant at any time for any reason.
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SCIENTIFIC AMERICAN RECOGNIZES STAND UP FOR SCIENCE FOUNDER AND CEO AS YOUNG SCIENTIST ‘MAKING WAVES’
17 June, 2026
Washington, DC — On June 16, Scientific American published a short list of five young scientists “making waves in their own ways,” including Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, Dr. Colette Delawalla.
The piece, “These young scientists are on our radar,” predicts “great things ahead” from the scientists included. Delawalla’s recognition notes, “She is changing the field of science, particularly among young scientists, by showing them how to become participants in democracy.”
The profile mentions Delawalla’s work with her non-profit Stand Up for Science over the course of the second Trump Administration, which has convened scores of people to protest funding cuts, promote political candidates who support science, and work with and within government to preserve the role of science in evidence-based policymaking and the economy.
The story was published online and in the July/August 2026 edition of the magazine (Volume 335, Issue 1) as part of their 2026 Young American Scientists Issue.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE WARNS OF DIRE IMPACTS TO CLINICAL TRIALS UNDER PROPOSED OVERHAUL OF FEDERAL FUNDING RULES
OMB rule would put roughly half of all active clinical studies at risk for termination
16 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Following an analysis of active clinical trials funded by federal grants, Stand Up for Science is sounding the alarm on the impacts to these studies if the proposed overhaul of the federal funding system is finalized.
Stand Up for Science reviewed over 10,000 currently active clinical research studies funded by the federal government, sourced from clinicaltrials.gov, a government database managed by the National Institute of Health.
If the OMB rule is implemented, Stand Up for Science conservatively estimates that nearly 50% of these trials would end, simply due to international collaborators or political censorship. The Trump Administration has a history of canceling work involving terms in its “banned words list.” SUFS compiled all active clinical trials with instances of these banned words within the study descriptions and all trials with international involvement.
Almost 5,000 active trials would be shut down on day one of this rule, including over 1,000 cancer-related trials, hundreds of pediatric studies, and hundreds of trials each studying veterans, suicide, heart disease, and diabetes.
The stakes of this OMB rule couldn’t be higher—people’s lives are on the line. These are clinical trials of new drugs and interventions that could change people’s lives.
It’s heartbreaking to look at the list of trials at risk: it’s studies to improve outcomes for homeless veterans, prevent suicide among veterans, improve the outcomes of premature infants in the NICU, treat diabetes, prevent youth suicide, manage cancer pain, test novel Leukemia screening tools, and a study to reduce PTSD symptoms and suicide ideation among parents who experienced pregnancy loss and early infant loss. That and so much more is on the chopping block if this rule gets finalized.
said Colette Delawalla, PhD, CEO and Founder of Stand Up for Science.
All active clinical trials would be at risk of cancellation under the proposal, as the rule would put political appointees in charge of funding decisions and give them the ability to cancel funding at any time.
Federally funded research is an integral part of our scientific infrastructure and closely intertwined with our daily lives, giving us medical innovations and advancements, providing jobs, and supporting local economies. Federally funded clinical trials produced over 99% of FDA-approved medications from 2010-2019, delivering breakthroughs like gene therapy and immunotherapy treatments for cancer, new drugs to treat rare diseases, and significant advances in HIV treatment.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE RESPONDS TO NSF’S DISMANTLING OF OCEAN MONITORING PROGRAM
Latest cuts continue the assault on independent science and evidence-based policymaking
10 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Stand Up for Science condemns the Trump Administration’s dismantling of the $368M Ocean Observatories Initiative, run by the National Science Foundation. In late May, NSF announced its plansto scale back the program, removing all “in-water infrastructure” from sites in both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
The global network of more than 900 in-ocean sensors provides continuous monitoring of ocean conditions like temperature and circulation. Ocean data from these sensors is a crucial part of early warning systems of severe weather like hurricanes and tropical storms.
The announcement comes on the heels of Trump’s firing of the entire National Science Board, who oversees the NSF. Cutting scientific research programs in the name of saving money is short-sighted and irresponsible.
This is the most anti-science administration in history. They think if we’re not studying climate change, we can pretend it’s not happening. It’s here, it’s happening, and taking our eyes off one of the biggest predictors of extreme weather is going to cost us far more in the long run, not only in dollars but in lives
said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
The “savings” of abandoning this long term research project do not outweigh the program’s benefits to humanity. Similar to Trump’s funding cuts to emergency response preparedness at EPA and FEMA, the costs of not being able to predict, prevent, or effectively respond to a severe weather disaster will be much higher than if we were adequately prepared.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE HOSTING WEEKLY RAPID RESPONSE HOURS FOR WRITING EFFECTIVE PUBLIC COMMENTS
Drop in “office hours” to be held on Fridays to help facilitate public commenting on OMB’s proposed rule on Federal Register
9 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Starting this Friday, June 12, Stand Up for Science will host weekly Rapid Response Hours for interested members of the public to get help drafting comments in response to the OMB’s proposal, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance.”
The rule is a sweeping overhaul of the foundational rules governing all federal funding, including grants. In response, science activists are speaking out and Stand Up for Science is leading the charge. The proposal now has over 10,000 public comments on the Federal Register, with more than 2,000 comments submitted through SUFS’ Action Center and public commenting portal.
Attendees are encouraged to bring their questions and get live help and resources for writing their own personal, effective, and strong comment. Participants can drop in for part of the session or attend the full hour. Register to attend a session here.
Each Rapid Response Hour will include:
Quick overview of the proposed rule and its implications
SUFS-moderated open Q&A and discussion session
Sharing of resources, templates, tools, and other ways to take action
What: Rapid Response Hour: Writing Effective OMB Public Comments
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Weekly on Fridays, starting on June 12, 2026 at 2 PM Eastern
Where: Virtual, register to attend a session here.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE RELEASES STATEMENTS ON THE ONE-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF NIH’S BETHESDA DECLARATION
SUFS continues to stand with NIH employees and other whistleblowers sounding the alarm over continued cuts to federal science and public health research
9 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Today, Stand Up for Science released statements on the one-year anniversary of the Bethesda Declaration, an open letter published by hundreds of scientists, researchers, and staffers at the National Institutes of Health.
A year ago, staff members within the NIH wrote and shared a declaration expressing concerns about activities that they felt were poorly aligned with achieving the NIH mission,
said Dr. Jeremy Berg, former director, National Institute of General Medical Sciences, NIH.
Stand Up for Science, which published the Bethesda Declaration on its website, has continued to stand united with NIH employees and other courageous public servants who have expressed concern over the extent of cuts to public health research and other federal science at their agencies.
Since the release of the Bethesda Declaration, we are continuing to see retaliation against federal whistleblowers and the destruction of our country’s crown jewel of biomedical research. Despite our actions, other whistleblower letters, and Congressional interventions, the attacks on public health research continue. Director Bhattacharya, RFK Jr., Trump, and Vought have declared war on research into cancer, Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other public health challenges,
said Dr. Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
The Bethesda Declaration Organizers released a new report today on their website, providing evidence that the administration’s policies continue to erode the U.S. scientific enterprise, impede the NIH mission, and pose a risk to public health.
One year after the release of the Bethesda Declaration, the issues we raised remain largely unaddressed. In fact, the concerns of many inside NIH have only increased as processes that enable fringe political beliefs to override scientific judgement become embedded. The longer we allow these destructive policies continue, the harder it will be to rebuild the crumbling U.S. scientific enterprise and the more we will lose access to future health advances,
said Dr. Jenna Norton, a program officer at NIH’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases and a lead organizer of the Declaration, speaking in her personal capacity.
Stand Up for Science supports the brave civil servants at NIH and the Bethesda Declaration Organizers. SUFS is proud to sign on to the Bethesda Declaration: One Year Later as an endorsing organization.
This courageous commitment to the health of American people, now and going forward, set an example for other federal staff members who had analogous concerns with their own agencies and launched a movement that has played a role in stopping some of the worst actions and setting the stage for future progress,
said Berg.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE FOUNDATION CREATES NEW SCIENCE DEFENSE COUNCIL TO SUPPORT STRATEGIC OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
Council will bring together a curated and diverse group of like-minded scientific leaders
9 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Today, the Stand Up for Science Foundation announced the launch of its new Science Defense Council, an exclusive group of SUFS supporters who will provide increased support for the Foundation’s engagement and outreach efforts.
To date, Stand Up for Science (the Foundation’s sister 501(c)(4)) has organized over 300 peaceful protests, rallies and teach-ins across the country; amassed over 150,000 followers on social media; created over a billion impressions across its various channels last year; and held 200 meetings (and counting!) with Congress.
The Stand Up for Science Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, serves as an extension of SUFS’ science-activist grassroots movement and works to protect scientific integrity in our public institutions, strengthen accountability, educate the public, and ensure that evidence-based science drives policies that serve the people.
The new Science Defense Council will help further these actions, convening science leaders in order to support immediate increased capacity in the areas of:
Strategic communications,
Community events,
Social media campaigns, and
Congressional engagement.
Colette Delawalla, PhD, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, issued the following statement:
Stand Up for Science has been in the thick of the fight for science and democracy since February 2025. We’re supporting whistleblowers, building the future of science, hosting peaceful protests, driving media coverage, and engaging Congress, every day. This new Science Defense Council will bring together a diverse group of like-minded scientific leaders to fight Trump’s war on science and democracy.
In exchange for an annual contribution, members of the Science Defense Council will receive exclusive benefits such as invitation to annual closed-door meetings, early visibility into SUFS campaigns, invitations to SUFS events, and recognition as a leader in the fight for science.
To learn more about joining the Science Defense Council, reach out to [email protected].
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE RESPONDS TO EXECUTIVE ORDER ON SCHEDULE POLICY/CAREER CLASSIFICATIONS FOR FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
EO allows at-will firings, eliminates procedural protections for feds
5 June, 2026
Washington, DC — On June 3, the White House launched its latest attack on dedicated civil servants, an executive order titled Implementing Schedule Policy/Career in the Excepted Service.
The order identifies specific federal positions to be moved under Schedule Policy/Career of the excepted service, which exempts employees from civil service protections, allows them to be fired at-will, and provides no opportunity to appeal adverse actions.
The Administration claims this is an accountability tool, allowing poor performers or those engaging in misconduct to be removed, but we can read between the lines to see it for what it is: another way to replace dedicated career employees with loyalists who will ignore the rule of law in order to carry out the Administration’s priorities.
Reclassifying employees as Schedule Policy/Career will politicize the federal workforce and undermine our democracy. Paired with the recent OMB proposal to overhaul federal funding rules, this executive order poses an enormous threat to federal agencies. Not only will career employees be stripped of their decision power over grant and funding selections, but the executive order allows for immediate termination of these employees for any reason, including if they voice concerns,
said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
The long-standing federal job protections in place are intended to shield government workers from this kind of partisan influence, giving the federal workforce continuity in the face of changing administrations.
The executive order includes an appendix of thousands of senior-level positions that will be affected by the order, including chief agency officers, senior HR officials, agency deputies, chiefs of staff, senior program managers, and senior officials involved in policy, budget, grantmaking, administrative and operations policies, public affairs, legislative affairs, and intergovernmental affairs.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE SLAMS VOUGHT’S ATTEMPTED DESTRUCTION OF AMERICAN SCIENCE IN PUBLIC COMMENT POSTED TO FEDERAL REGISTER
SUFS also releases guide for concerned citizens to craft and submit public comments to stop OMB's takeover of federal funding rules
4 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Today, Stand Up for Science submitted a public comment on behalf of its Foundation, responding to OMB’s proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance,” and released a how-to guide to help the public to draft their own effective comments.
The rule is a sweeping overhaul of the foundational rules governing all federal funding, including grants. The proposal would ban scientists from international collaboration, control what they can tell the public about their research, and gives Trump officials complete power over which grants are funded—including authority to stop any grant at any time for any reason.
In its Executive Summary of the comment to the Federal Register, SUFS writes that
the rule is fundamentally flawed, internally inconsistent, and will expose the government to lawsuits.
Further, it violates free speech rights and distorts scientific realities to “conform with political ideology.”
The SUFS Foundation’s comment outlines just a few of our concerns, supported by cited research findings and other footnotes, which include:
Restrictions that prevent research into specific populations. This violates free speech, and is at odds with empirical reality.
No scientific basis for banning awards that go beyond sex binaries. Variation in human chromosomal arrangement beyond male “XX” and female “XY” is well-established in medical literature.
Explicit restrictions on international collaborations. The rule would essentially cut off American scientists from the rest of the world and create new national security and safety risks during international crisis scenarios. The proposed restrictions on collaborating with foreign entities are also inconsistent with existing laws that explicitly allow American scientists to participate in high-value scientific activities.
Restrictions on covering publication costs and open access fees for publishing federally-funded research. This cuts off American scientists from the public, who is the ultimate beneficiary of federally-funded research, by placing controls on how agencies and scientists are allowed to publish and communicate their research.
The comment also requests an extension of the public comment period by 60 days in order to allow other organizations and individuals to fully understand the impacts of this wide-ranging proposed rule and request meetings with the Office of Management and Budget.
Stand Up for Science submitted this comment in line with our mission to protect scientific integrity in our public institutions and ensure that evidence-based science drives policies that serve people.
We are mobilizing the scientific community and the public to stop Vought's destruction of science and the federal grant program by encouraging the submission of public comments to the Federal Register. We intend to create a record number of comments in response to this gross overreach,
said Colette Delawalla, PhD, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
The commenting guide lays out the importance of submitting public comments: it is a direct way to participate in the rulemaking process and it demonstrates the will of the people to Congress, the public, and this Administration. The guide also notes that
if the response to a rulemaking is overwhelming, that can give Congressional staff the motivation and cover they need to alter or block the rule through legislation.
The guide provides a deep dive on how to craft a personal, substantive, and impactful comment.
SUFS has launched an Action Center with more ways for science advocates to join the fight, including resources for calling and emailing Congressional representatives and a handy portal for submitting comments in the Federal Register during comment period, open until July 13, 2026.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE FOR SUFS FOUNDATION EFFORTS, INCLUDING EDUCATION, ADVOCACY, AND RESEARCH
The SUFS Foundation partners with scientists, former civil servants, and organizations to turn science and grassroots energy into action
3 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Today, Stand Up for Science announced the launch of a new website for its 501(c)3 Foundation work: standupforscience.foundation.
Last year, Stand Up for Science turned a national protest into a sustained national movement and non-profit organization. Now, the Stand Up for Science Foundation serves as an extension of this science-activist grassroots movement and carries the momentum forward.
The Stand Up for Science Foundation works to protect scientific integrity in our public institutions, strengthen accountability, educate the public, and ensure that evidence-based science drives policies that serve the people.
The core focus areas of the Foundation are:
Empowering science champions in Congress
Building public support and coalitions
Providing research and policy analysis
Ensuring accountability
The Foundation turns these goals into action by exposing threats to scientific independence, bringing together partners to develop bold solutions; and championing reforms that safeguard our public institutions from corporate and ideological capture.
The Foundation’s impact comes through strategic convenings with scientists, independent policy analysis, advocating with and for science throughout the government, directly and in partnership with our affiliate 501(c)(4).
The Stand Up for Science Foundation is intended to translate the gains made in advocacy with constituents on both the Hill and broader scientific community into a better world.
said Colette Delawalla, PhD, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
There is a great need for a fearless, independent, and collaborative voice in science policy today. We will be looking at the deep structural issues that brought us to the current moment and looking for fixes that can help us build a brighter future.
said Cole Donovan, who is leading the Stand Up for Science Foundation as its Director of Policy and Advocacy.
Donovan is a science policy strategist with a career spanning the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the State Department, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and the National Academies. Donovan is supported by Irene Ngun, Assistant Director of Policy and Advocacy. Her work includes running the Federation of American Scientist’s Day One Program; supporting the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine; and staffing the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.
The new Foundation website offers resources such as in-depth independent policy analysis and position papers, research resources through the SUFS Lab, means for partnerships and collaboration, and more.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE HOSTS OVER 2,400 ACTIVISTS AT EMERGENCY SCIENCE MEETING IN RESPONSE TO VOUGHT’S DESTRUCTION OF AMERICAN SCIENCE
Speakers provided implications of proposed OMB rule and
next steps for action
3 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Yesterday afternoon, Stand Up for Science hosted a successful virtual Emergency Science Meeting in response to OMB’s proposed rule (“Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance”) that would strip federal agencies of grant funding decisions.
The public meeting drew over 2,400 attendees across the country and around the world, bringing together leading scientists, Nobel laureates, elected officials, public policy leaders, academia, science activists, members of the press, and other pro-science members of the public. The one-hour event delivered an overview of the rule and its broad implications, discussed actions underway to stop the proposed rule from being implemented, and provided resources for concerned participants to take action themselves.
Colette Delawalla, PhD, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, hosted the event and issued the following statement:
Scientists are riled up and not backing down against Vought, Trump, and RFK Jr’s destruction of our scientific ecosystem.
A central theme of the meeting was concern over the widespread impacts of the proposed rule, which would give political appointees rather than career experts unprecedented power over federal funding decisions, not only for research but for every kind of federal grant administered, from education to agriculture to food assistance to Medicaid.
This is not just a science story; it’s a story about the entire financial relationship between the federal government and the American people,
noted Dr. Elizabeth Ginexi, a former NIH Scientific Program Official who spoke during the event.
If this can happen to science, it will happen to everything else. No one will be unaffected if this sort of rule making or rule breaking becomes the norm; the government will cease to work,
said speaker Professor Timothy Snyder, a historian and author. Snyder called the OMB proposal, and this Administration’s broader attacks on science, “Project Witchcraft,” as we will undoubtedly regress, falling behind the rest of the world with those who know nothing about science in charge of funding it.
Ambassador (Ret.) Norman Eisen called OMB the “battering ram” for the Trump Administration, saying its initiatives are
attacking foundations of our democracy like science, truth and evidence, the rule of law, and free and fair elections.
During his remarks, Bruno Perrin, Head of the French Rationalist Union, called the work of Stand Up for Science,
a fight for the health and future prosperity of the American nation, and against ignorance and irrationalism.
The full panel of speakers, who each spoke for about five minutes, sharing stories of their own resistance to this Administration’s attacks on science and democracy, and encouraging action like submitting public comments, included:
Professor Timothy Snyder, Author of On Tyranny, Historian at University of Toronto
Ambassador Norman Eisen, Co-Founder, Democracy Defenders Action
Dr. Carolyn Bertozzi, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2022
Dr. Elizabeth Ginexi, Former NIH Scientific Program Official
Craig McLean, Former NOAA Chief Scientist
James Walkinshaw, U.S. Congressional Representative, VA-11
Judy Chu, U.S. Congressional Representative, CA-28
Bruno Perrin, Administrateur de l'Union Rationaliste (French Rationalist Union)
Dr. Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
A recording of the full event is available on SUFS' YouTube channel.
The Emergency Science Meeting was just a first step towards understanding and responding to OMB’s latest overreach.
SUFS has launched a new Action Center for science advocates to continue the fight. The site provides resources for calling and emailing Congressional representatives and for providing comments on the proposed rule in the Federal Register during the 45-day open comment period.
SUFS intends to mobilize the scientific community and the public to encourage a record number of comments on the Federal Register during the comment period.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE PUBLISHES PAPER ON REBUILDING U.S. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY POLICY IN THE POST-TRUMP ERA
The stakes are high but a new government must be able to turn the page toward a better future
1 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Today, Stand Up for Science published, “How to Rebuild US Science and Technology Policy From the Rubble of Trump 2.0,” in Tech Policy Press.
Author Cole Donovan describes building a system under the next Administration to rapidly assess the damage, coordinate across the government, and make the government-wide decisions that can deliver a better future for American science.
“Rebuilding science and technology policy in the rubble of Trump 2.0 is going to require a lot more than describing the system we want. We're going to need new architecture that can make change happen,”
said Cole Donovan, the Director of Policy and Advocacy at the Stand Up for Science Foundation.
Donovan, who served in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy during the Biden administration, outlines how the Trump administration seized and exploited existing government processes in order to rapidly overhaul government agencies and implement their policy moves. Future administrations must similarly focus on process, dismantling and decentralizing legacy power structures in order to rapidly re-task agencies and rebuild America’s science and technology ecosystem.
Donovan writes in the paper.
“We hope that others will read this and recognize the magnitude of the problem. By creating structures that can evaluate problems and troubleshoot solutions fast, it may be possible to set both the tone and pace for future recovery efforts. Nowhere is this more important than in many of the highly specialized technical functions with a US government.”
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE LAUNCHES EMERGENCY SCIENCE MEETING, ACTION CENTER IN RESPONSE TO VOUGHT’S ATTEMPTED DESTRUCTION OF AMERICAN SCIENCE
1 June, 2026
Washington, DC — Stand Up for Science is hosting a virtual and accessible Emergency Science Meeting on June 2 at 4 p.m. ET, following last week’s announcement of OMB’s latest proposed rule, “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance.” The meeting will include marquee speakers delivering an overview of the rule and how to take action against it.
Interested parties can register here to attend.
Speakers include:
Professor Timothy Snyder, Author of On Tyranny, Historian at University of Toronto
Amb. Norman Eisen, Democracy Defenders
Carolyn Bertozzi, PhD, Nobel Laureate in Chemistry 2022
Elizabeth Ginexi, PhD, 20 year NIH veteran and science funding expert
Colette Delawalla, PhD, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science
And more...
“Vought's 'Uniform Regulation' would be nothing short of catastrophic for American science. This rule would funnel decision power to the Executive Branch about what science is done, by whom, for whom, with whom, and effectively isolate our scientists from the rest of the world. Stand Up for Science is mobilizing the scientific community to stop Vought's destruction of our science,"
said Colette Delawalla, PhD, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
SUFS has also launched a new Action Center for science advocates to join the fight. The site provides resources for calling and emailing Congressional representatives and for providing comments on the proposed rule in the Federal Register during the 45-day open comment period.
Framed as an effort to promote "accountability" and eliminate "waste," this proposal is in reality a targeted attack on universities, research institutions, and any science that doesn't align with the current administration’s narrow ideological priorities. It is a direct threat to scientific independence, public health, and evidence-based decision-making.
Independent scientific research is a public good we can’t afford to lose. Stand Up for Science, along with the broader scientific community and the public, will not stand for this Administration’s attempts to destroy our country’s independent scientific research system.
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OMB’S LATEST POWER GRAB ATTEMPTS TO STRIP AGENCIES OF FEDERAL GRANT FUNDING DECISIONS
28 May, 2026
Today, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) released a document titled “Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance” that will end federal support for science as we know it.
The document is a proposed new OMB regulation, applying to all federal grants, requiring grant reviews by senior political appointees and re-emphasizes that "peer review remains advisory and does not replace agency discretion." Science is the most important long-term investment for humanity. Interference in the scientific process by political arbiters stifles scientists’ freedom of speech and thought.
Federal research and development financial assistance gave us Google. It gave us CRISPR gene editing technology, Artificial Intelligence, advanced semiconductors, space exploration, GLP-1 agonists such as Ozempic and Wegovy, and ended the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2010 and 2019, the FDA launched 354 new medications to the public of which 99.4% were developed using federal funding. The proposed rule overturns the system that is developing the next cancer prevention vaccine, addressing health disparities, finding ways to clean our water, and exploring the furthest reaches of outer space.
This is an unprecedented power grab by Russell Vought. Rather than allowing research agencies to dictate the spending of their funding alongside Congress, the document openly asserts OMB’s statutory authority to “set government-wide requirements for grants administration, and agencies must follow the OMB requirements in their award programs.”
Vought uses the authorities of the OMB to engage in rampant speech and viewpoint discrimination while undermining core principles of good scientific governance. In addition to enacting long-expected power grabs, like placing political appointees in charge of federal grantmaking, the document also prohibits the use of federal money to support publication costs, appears to prohibit or severely restrict grantmaking and support for scientific collaboration, and will result in global decoupling from the United States in science and technology.
“Stand Up for Science warned of this precise type of executive overreach last May after Trump’s ‘Gold Standard Science’ Executive Order, which enabled political appointees the ultimate say over experts,” says Colette Delawalla, PhD, CEO of SUFS. “This is the playbook used by Nazis, Stalinists, and Mussolini to dismantle their nation’s scientific ecosystems. We will not stand by and allow it to happen here.”
The Stand Up for Science Foundation is working rapidly to understand the full implications of this complicated document.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE CONDEMNS TRUMP’S PROPOSED NON-DISCLOSURE AGREEMENTS FOR ALL FEDERAL EMPLOYEES
Proposed NDAs yet are another attack on feds and government transparency.
27 May, 2026
Washington, D.C. — The Office of Personnel Management’s proposed rule to implement government-wide non-disclosure agreements is the administration’s latest attack on federal employees and their first amendment rights.
The proposed rule posted to the Federal Register this week, aims to crack down on “unauthorized disclosures” and media “leaks” from inside federal agencies but is undoubtedly another attempt to silence dedicated civil servants.
Stand Up for Science continues to stand with public servants, whose work makes our nation run smoothly. They are not governmental secret keepers.
Our public servants dedicate their lives to ensure we have clean water to drink, fresh air to breathe, disaster recovery when we need it, 24/7 weather monitoring, breakthrough cancer treatments, and protection from public health threats. This rule, seemingly yet another loyalty test, would target the most dedicated among us in an attempt to override their rights. This sure as hell isn't the ‘radical transparency’ Trump promised the country.
said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science.
Federal employees are already subject to legal requirements to protect nonpublic government information. While the draft rule claims it will not prevent federal employees from disclosing waste, fraud, and abuse, or supersede their whistleblower protections, this administration’s continued demonstration of contempt for dedicated public servants and demand for loyalty casts doubt on the intended purpose of NDAs. The proposed NDAs creates yet another route for the Administration to target and fire any feds deemed disloyal.
Stand Up for Science encourages the public to submit a comment on the proposed rule via the Federal Register within the next 30 days, and tell the Trump Administration don’t weaponize our civil service – No NDAs for Feds!
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE BACKS NATIONAL ACADEMIES MEMBERS CALLING FOR NATIONAL SCIENCE BOARD REINSTATEMENT
11 May, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Today, Stand Up for Science joined more than 2,200 National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine members, supporters, and supporting organizations calling on Congress to demand the reinstatement of all 22 members of the National Science Board and to take immediate legislative action to support the independence of the nation’s scientific institutions. The National Science Board establishes the policies of the National Science Foundation, one of the nation’s largest funders of basic research, and serves as an advisor to Congress and the President.
Stand Up for Science also invites the public to join us by signing below as a supporting endorser of this letter.
Individuals wishing to support the letter can do so here.
Organizations wishing to endorse the letter can do so here.
In addition to helping organize support for the National Science Board on behalf of National Academies members, Stand Up for Science will be launching the “Stand Up for Science: Together” social media campaign and will be encouraging scientists around the world to speak up and engage the public through op-eds and other local forms of advocacy, supported by media training and networking support.
This is a watershed moment in the fight for science and democracy. Scientists coming together across geography, field of study, generation, and political spectrum to call for anything is a feat. We commend the signers for their courage, their character, and their devotion to the global science and technology ecosystem.
Stand Up for Science is proud to offer our support to any group of scientists willing to fight for strong, independent, and democratically-accountable institutions. This is America’s scientific sandbox: the National Science Foundation funds exploration of the world around us, supporting our national security and economic prosperity with a mere 0.15% of the US annual fiscal year budget.
In the last 15 months the National Science Foundation has been evicted from their headquarters, had new funding opportunities strangled by the Office of Management and Budget, and been banned from using words like “women” in grants. This letter sends a clear message from the scientific community: enough is enough.###
THE GUARDIAN PROFILES STAND UP FOR SCIENCE FOUNDER AND CEO COLETTE DELAWALLA
From Ph.D. Student to Leader of the Movement to Save Science and Democracy
29 April, 2026
Washington, D.C. — The Guardian today published a major feature profiling Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, documenting her transition from an Emory University doctoral candidate to a leading voice for scientific integrity and pro-democracy movements in America.
The profile, “She set out to become a clinical psychologist. Now she’s leading a US movement to save science,” details how Stand Up for Science grew from a single viral social media post into a political force that has conducted over 200 congressional meetings and spearheaded the national movement to remove RFK Jr.
Colette Delawalla, CEO of Stand Up for Science, issued the following statement:
“Deciding to step away from my own research came with a lot of grief, but fighting for science and democracy in Ameica is more important, It’s where I belong in this moment.”
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE FOUNDATION LAUNCHES SCIENCE & DEMOCRACY POLICY INSTITUTE.
27 April, 2026
Washington, D.C. —Amidst escalating and coordinated attacks on the American scientific ecosystem, the Stand Up for Science Foundation announced today the launch of a new Institute to craft and implement policy that will address the damage to federal agencies and institutions, recenter evidence-based decision making, and re-establish the United States as a global leader in science.
Stand Up for Science is establishing the future of science.
Opening Tuesday, April 28th, the Institute will serve as a policy-in-action hub dedicated to protecting the nation’s science and technology ecosystem, strengthening research integrity, and ensuring democratic accountability for federal agencies. The Institute will focus on strengthening oversight of federal policy actions targeting scientific organizations; and rebuilding federal science and technology capacity in the wake of the Trump administration’s destructive targeting of science, public health, and public safety institutions.
Looking beyond Washington, the Institute will also expand Stand Up for Science’s international reach, building coalitions with civil society organizations in the science advocacy space to build the future of the global scientific ecosystem.
Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, issued the following statement:
“We’re done watching this administration treat science as a political weapon. We have drawn the line. The Institute will bring together people who know how the government works to stop the gutting of our agencies and make sure evidence, not ideology, dictates our scientific and public health policies.”
The Institute will be led by Cole Donovan, a science policy strategist with a career spanning the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the State Department, and the National Academies. Donovan brings expertise in mobilizing international support for large-scale scientific endeavors.
Assistant Director of Science Policy and Advocacy, Irene Ngun will join Cole. Irene's work includes running the Federation of American Scientist’s Day One Program; supporting the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Women in Science, Engineering, and Medicine; and staffing the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee and Congresswoman Eddie Bernice Johnson.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOST VIRTUAL & ACCESSIBLE MAY DAY RALLY on May 1st
To fight for our science, defend our workers, and protect our future.
27 April, 2026
Washington, DC — Stand Up for Science will host a Virtual & Accessible May Day Rally on May 1st to confront the administration’s escalating attacks on science, public health, and the workers who sustain both.
The May Day 2026 program will be a call to action, a show of solidarity, and a rallying point for the scientists, public servants, health workers, labor organizers, and advocates on the front lines of the fight. The event will feature lawmakers, whistleblowers, scientists, organizers, and intersectional voices calling for urgent action to defend our science, protect public health infrastructure, and fight against the dismantling of the federal workforce.
What: Virtual & Accessible May Day Rally
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Friday, May 1st, 2026 12:00pm EDT
Where: Virtual
Speakers:
Rep. Adelita Grijalva (AZ-07)
Rep. Glenn Ivey (MD-04)
Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-03)
Colette Delawalla, Founder & CEO, Stand Up for Science
Nicholas Enrich, best-selling author and former Acting Assistant Administrator for Global Health at USAID
Accessibility:
– ASL interpretation
– Live captioning
– Spanish audio interpretation
– Multi-language automatic captioning
– Visual descriptions
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE CONDEMNS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S 2027 HHS BUDGET AS AN ASSAULT ON PUBLIC HEALTH AND BIOMEDICAL RESEARCH.
Proposed cuts would devastate America's public health infrastructure and set back generations of biomedical research and innovation.
24 April, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Following a marathon of congressional hearings where HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the Trump administration’s 2027 budget, Stand Up for Science (SUFS) issued a blistering response today. The organization characterized the proposed 12% cut to the Department of Health and Human Services as a "calculated dismantling" of the nation’s scientific and public health infrastructure.
Throughout the hearings, Kennedy was forced to defend over $1 trillion in projected Medicaid reductions and a $5 billion cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), cuts he admitted were "painful." While also brazenly denying any cuts to Medicaid from the Big Beautiful Bill.
Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science, released the following statement:
"Behind the hollow rhetoric of ‘making America healthy’ is a budget built to punish working people and reward billionaires. RFK Jr. sat before Congress and admitted these cuts are ‘painful,’ yet he still defended a plan that would gut public health, slash biomedical research, and throw American communities into deeper harm. The damage is not abstract. It means worse health outcomes, lost scientific talent, and a deliberate surrender of American innovation and leadership. This budget is an attack on science, an attack on public health, and an attack on the people who depend on both. And while measles spreads, Kennedy continues to dodge responsibility and sideline the experts we need.”
Stand Up for Science calls for Congressional action to protect our scientists and our citizens.
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HAPPENING TODAY: STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOST VIRTUAL & ACCESSIBLE EARTH DAY RALLY on April 22
To defend our planet and save our science.
22 April, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Tonight, Stand Up for Science will host a Virtual & Accessible Earth Day Rally to confront the administration’s attacks on our planet, our health, and the federal workers who have dedicated their careers to protecting both.
The Earth Day 2026 program will serve as a call to action, a show of solidarity, and a platform for the voices of those fighting for a livable future. The event will feature lawmakers, scientists, advocates, activists, and diverse intersectional voices speaking to the urgent need to defend environmental protections, public health, scientific integrity, and the federal scientific workforce.
What: Virtual & Accessible Earth Day Rally
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: TODAY, Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 8:00pm EDT
Where: Virtual
Speakers:
U.S. House Representative Adelita Grijalva, (AZ-07)
Lieutenant General Russel L. Honoré, Retired
Syanne Bloom, Disability Justice Activist and political commentator
Colette Delawalla, Founder & CEO of SUFS
Dave Farina, Science Educator, creator of “Professor Dave Explains”
Jade “Ben” Freudenberg, Researcher Cincinnati Children’s Hospital
Saul Levin, Climate Justice Center
Craig McLean, Former NOAA Chief Scientist
Accessibility:
– ASL interpretation
– Live captioning
– Spanish audio interpretation
– Visual descriptions
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOST VIRTUAL & ACCESSIBLE EARTH DAY RALLY on April 22
To defend our planet and save our science.
April 14, 2026
Washington, DC — Stand Up for Science will host a Virtual & Accessible Earth Day Rally on April 22 to confront the administration’s attacks on our planet, our health, and the federal workers who have dedicated their careers to protecting both.
Building on the momentum of the No Kings 3 Virtual & Accessible Rally, the Earth Day program will serve as a call to action, a show of solidarity, and a platform for the voices of those fighting for a livable future. The event will feature lawmakers, scientists, advocates, activists, and diverse intersectional voices speaking to the urgent need to defend environmental protections, conservation, biodiversity, public lands, public health, scientific integrity, and the federal workforce. The program will also address the growing threats of climate change, the erosion of environmental safeguards, and efforts to sell off protected public lands that belong to all of us.
What: Virtual & Accessible Earth Day Rally
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Wednesday, April 22nd, 2026 8:00pm EDT
Where: Virtual
Speakers: to be announced soon
Accessibility:
– ASL interpretation
– Live captioning
– Spanish audio interpretation
– Visual descriptions
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE CONDEMNS TRUMP ADMINISTRATION’S PROPOSED FY 2027 BUDGET.
Sweeping cuts to NSF, NIH, EPA, and NASA signal a broader assault on independent science and evidence-based policymaking.
April 6, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up for Science condemns the Trump administration’s proposed fiscal year 2027 budget as a continued assault on the American scientific ecosystem and a broader effort to destroy independent centers of thought.
The proposal would cut the National Science Foundation by nearly 55%, slash the Environmental Protection Agency by more than 50%, reduce the National Institutes of Health by 13%, and cut NASA’s science budget by 47%. It also eliminates all funding for the NSF division that supports social science and economics research, with reports that NSF leadership plans to dissolve the Social, Behavioral and Economic Sciences directorate.
“This budget is one tool in a broader political project to undermine independent science, weaken evidence-based policymaking, and dismantle institutions that serve the public good,” said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science. “We implore Congress to reject the proposed budget while simultaneously acknowledging and fighting the continued policy changes that the Trump administration is enacting to science agencies. These cuts target the infrastructure that helps this country understand and respond to threats to human health, the environment, and democracy itself. Congress must categorically reject the continued attack on science.”
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Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez Headline 9,000+ Person Stand Up for Science Official Virtual & Accessible No Kings Rally.
The rally showed what it means to organize for everyone, everywhere.
March 30, 2026
Washington, D.C. — On March 28th, Stand Up for Science organized the official No Kings Virtual & Accessible Rally, bringing together over 9,000 participants from across the nation for an event centered on protecting health and defending democracy.
The program featured members of Congress, disability justice advocates, LGBTQ+ leaders, and national voices in democracy and public health, including Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez D-NY), Rep. Judy Chu (D-CA), Rep. Glenn Ivey (D-MD), Rep. Seth Moulton (D-MA), Rep. Delia Ramirez (D-IL), Rep. Deborah Ross (D-NC), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), Rep. James Walkinshaw (D-VA); Skye Perryman President and CEO of Democracy Forward, and Rob Weissman, Co-President of Public Citizen. Accessibility features included ASL interpretation, live captioning, visual descriptions, and Spanish audio interpretation.
The rally created space for people too often excluded from traditional protest settings, including the disability and chronic illness communities, veterans, caregivers, Spanish-speaking immigrants, LGBTQ+ communities in hostile settings, seniors, and others facing barriers to in-person attendance. The event underscored a central principle of Stand Up for Science’s work: accessibility is not an afterthought or an add-on to organizing, it is a fundamental part of organizing itself.
“The Virtual & Accessible No Kings Rally showed what it looks like to take democracy seriously,” said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science. “If we say we believe in science, health, and democracy for all, then participation cannot be limited to those who can physically get into the streets. Accessibility is not charity. It is solidarity, and it is essential to building a movement that leaves no one behind.”
Stand Up for Science said the event was a show of support for the communities on the front lines of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s dangerous agenda. From attacks on public health institutions to the spread of conspiracy theories and MAHA misinformation, Kennedy’s leadership represents a direct threat to science, health equity, and the safety of vulnerable communities. The organization continues to urge members of Congress to support efforts to remove Kennedy from office and reject the extremist politics undermining public health in the United States.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOST OFFICIAL NO KINGS 3 VIRTUAL & ACCESSIBLE RALLY on March 28th
The fight is for everyone, everywhere.
March 27, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up for Science will host the official No Kings 3 Virtual & Accessible Rally, a virtual event created to ensure that everyone has a way to show up and participate in the movement to defend our democracy. Built around accessibility, the rally offers people across the country a meaningful way to join the day of action, regardless of location, disability, health status, caregiving responsibilities, or other barriers to in-person attendance.
The Stand Up for Science Official No Kings 3 Virtual & Accessible Rally is part of the nationwide No Kings day of peaceful protest. The event will bring together speakers and participants from across health and rights communities—including advocates, activists, medical professionals, patients, and researchers—to speak about health, science, democracy, and access: access to care, access to science, and access to full participation in public life. The virtual live event will be followed by a live stream of the national flagship event from the Twin Cities (MN).
What: No Kings 3 Virtual & Accessible Rally
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Saturday, March 28th 2026 1:30pm EDT/ 12:30pm Central
Where: Virtual
Accessibility features: ASL interpreters, live captioning, and Spanish audio interpretation.
Speakers:
• Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi
• House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, U. S. Congressional Representative, NY-08
• Skye Perryman, President and CEO, Democracy Forward
• Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO, Stand Up for Science
• Judy Chu, U.S. Congressional Representative, CA-28
• Glenn Ivey, U.S. Congressional Representative, MD-04
• Delia Ramirez, U.S. Congressional Representative, IL-03
• Deborah Ross, U.S. Congressional Representative, NC-02
• Norma Torres, U.S. Congressional Representative, CA-35
• James Walkinshaw, U.S. Congressional Representative, VA-11
• Rachel Bitecofer, PhD, Disability Justice Activist
• Syanne Bloom, Disability Justice Activist
• Tyler Hack, Executive Director, Christopher Street Project
• Cait S. Kirby, PhD, Biologist and Inclusion Advocate
• Pamela McAfee, Founding Member of REVUP NC
• Rob Weissman, Co-President, Public Citizen
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOST OFFICIAL NO KINGS ACCESSIBLE RALLY on March 28th
The fight is for everyone, everywhere.
March 24, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up for Science will host the official No Kings Accessible Rally, a virtual event created to ensure that everyone has a way to show up and participate in the movement to defend our democracy. Built around accessibility, the rally offers people across the country a meaningful way to join the day of action, regardless of location, disability, health status, caregiving responsibilities, or other barriers to in-person attendance.
The No Kings Accessible Rally is part of the nationwide No Kings day of peaceful protest. The event will bring together speakers and participants from across health and rights communities—including advocates, activists, medical professionals, patients, and researchers—to speak about health, democracy, and access: access to care, access to science, and access to full participation in public life.
What: No Kings Rally
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Saturday, March 28th 2026 1:30pm EDT/ 12:30pm Central
Where: Virtual
Notes:
– ASL interpreting and live captioning will be provided.
– Details on speakers on our website
– The virtual live event will be followed by a live stream of the national flagship event from the Twin Cities (MN).
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Sen. Van Hollen and Reps. Beyer and Subramanyam to Speak at Stand Up for Science “Rally to Take Back Science” Tomorrow in Washington, D.C.
Nationwide Day of Action to Save Science, Protect Health, and Defend Democracy.
March 6, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up for Science announced that Senator Christopher Van Hollen (D-MD), Representative Don Beyer (D–VA), and Representative Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA) will speak at the organization’s Rally to Take Back Science tomorrow, March 7th, at the National Mall. The full line up of speakers is listed in this media advisory.
The Rally to Take Back Science in Washington, DC is part of a nationwide day of action to Save Science, Protect Health, and Defend Democracy. One year after the movement-defining Stand Up for Science protest, organizers are returning to the streets to demand scientific integrity, strong public health protections, and democratic accountability.
With 48 rally locations nationwide, the Rally to Take Back Science will bring together scientists, health professionals, students, and community advocates to call for an end to political interference in America’s scientific enterprise, and for decision-making grounded in evidence and the public interest.
What: Rally to Take Back Science
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Saturday, March 7th 2026 12pm-3pm
Where: National Mall, Washington, DC
Washington, DC Speakers: Senator Van Hollen (D-MD); Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA); Rep. Jamie Raskin (D-MD); Rep. Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA); Stand Up for Science Founder & CEO Colette Delawalla; George Conway; Dr. Helen D’Couto, MD; Gretchen Goldman, PhD; Jenna Norton, PhD; Peter Lurig, PhD; Rev. Delonte Gholston (Peace Fellowship Church); Simon Rosenberg; Stephen Volz, PhD; Susan Polan, PhD; Syanne Bloom.
Stand Up for Science will also host a Virtual Rally to Take Back Science, featuring speakers addressing a range of issues related to ongoing attacks on the rights of people with disabilities, followed by a livestream of the Washington, D.C. Rally to Take Back Science. The virtual program and D.C. livestream will include ASL interpretation, and Zoom captions will be enabled. For more information and to register, visit our Virtual Rally wepage.
Other rally locations: Sedona, AZ; Cardiff, CA; Dublin, CA; Elk Grove, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Mountain View, CA; San Francisco, CA; Vacaville, CA; Denver, CO; Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Atlanta, GA; Atlanta - Toco Hills, GA; Chicago, IL; St Charles, IL; Wichita, KS; Belfast, ME; Machias, ME; Chevy Chase, MD; Prince Frederick, MD; Silver Spring, MD; Boston, MA; Falmouth, MA; Natick, MA; Needham, MA; Wellesley, MA; Lansing, MI; Niles, MI; Chaska, MN; Missoula, MT; Research Triangle Park, NC; Albuquerque, NM; Albany, NY; Buffalo, NY; Cornwall, NY; New York City, NY; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Oklahoma City, OK; Toledo, OH; Port Orford, OR; Portland, OR; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Nashville, TN; Knoxville, TN; Logan, UT; Richmond, VA; Colchester, VT; Williston, VT; Seattle, WA; Yakima, WA; Madison, WI.
Consult our website for all rally locations and start times.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOLD “RALLY TO TAKE BACK SCIENCE” TOMORROW IN 48 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE.
A Nationwide Day of Action to Save Science, Protect Health, and Defend Democracy.
March 6, 2026
Washington, D.C. —Tomorrow, one year after the movement-defining Stand Up for Science protests, organizers will return to the streets in Washington, D.C. and across the country to demand scientific integrity, strong public health protections, and democratic accountability.
With 48 rally locations nationwide, the Rally to Take Back Science will bring together scientists, health professionals, students, and community advocates to call for an end to political interference in America’s scientific enterprise, and for decision-making grounded in evidence and the public interest. Speakers will include members of Congress, members of state legislatures, Nobel laureates, and leaders in science and health.
What: Rally to Take Back Science
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Saturday, March 7th 2026 (consult our website for local start times)
Where:
Rally locations: Washington, DC; Sedona, AZ; Cardiff, CA; Dublin, CA; Elk Grove, CA; Los Angeles, CA; Mountain View, CA; San Francisco, CA; Vacaville, CA; Denver, CO; Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Atlanta, GA; Atlanta - Toco Hills, GA; Chicago, IL; St Charles, IL; Wichita, KS; Belfast, ME; Machias, ME; Chevy Chase, MD; Prince Frederick, MD; Silver Spring, MD; Boston, MA; Falmouth, MA; Natick, MA; Needham, MA; Wellesley, MA; Lansing, MI; Niles, MI; Chaska, MN; Missoula, MT; Research Triangle Park, NC; Albuquerque, NM; Albany, NY; Buffalo, NY; Cornwall, NY; New York City, NY; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Oklahoma City, OK; Toledo, OH; Port Orford, OR; Portland, OR; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Nashville, TN; Knoxville, TN; Logan, UT; Richmond, VA; Colchester, VT; Williston, VT; Seattle, WA; Yakima, WA; Madison, WI.
Stand Up for Science will also host a Virtual Rally to Take Back Science, featuring speakers addressing a range of issues related to ongoing attacks on the rights of people with disabilities, followed by a livestream of the Washington, D.C. Rally to Take Back Science. The virtual program and D.C. livestream will include ASL interpretation, and Zoom captions will be enabled. For more information and to register, visit our website.
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REP JAMIE RASKIN AND GEORGE CONWAY TO SPEAK AT STAND UP FOR SCIENCE’S “RALLY TO TAKE BACK SCIENCE” ON MARCH 7TH IN WASHINGTON D.C
Nationwide Day of Action to Save Science, Protect Health, and Defend Democracy.
March 4, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up for Science announced today that U.S. Representative Jamie Raskin (D–MD) and attorney George Conway will speak at the organization’s Rally to Take Back Science this Saturday, March 7th, on the National Mall, as part of a nationwide day of action to Save Science, Protect Health, and Defend Democracy.
One year after the movement-defining Stand Up for Science protest, organizers are returning to the streets to demand scientific integrity, strong public health protections, and democratic accountability.
With 49 rally locations nationwide, the Rally to Take Back Science will bring together scientists, health professionals, students, and community advocates to call for an end to political interference in America’s scientific enterprise, and for decision-making grounded in evidence and the public interest.
What: Rally to Take Back Science
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Saturday, March 7th 2026 12pm-3pm
Where: National Mall, Washington, DC
Other locations: Cardiff, CA; Los Angeles, CA; San Francisco, CA; Stanford, CA; Vacaville, CA; Denver, CO; Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Atlanta, GA; Chicago, IL; St Charles, IL; Wichita, KS; Machias, ME; Chevy Chase, MD; Prince Frederick, MD; Silver Springs, MD; Boston, MA; Falmouth, MA; Natick, MA; Needham, MA; Wellesley, MA; Lansing, MI; Niles, MI; Chaska, MN; Missoula, MT; Research Triangle Park, NC; Albuquerque, NM; Buffalo, NY; Cornwall, NY; New York City, NY; Cincinnati, OH; Columbus, OH; Oklahoma City, OK; Toledo, OH; Portland, OR; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Nashville, TN; Knoxville, TN; Logan, UT; Richmond, VA; Colchester, VT; Williston, VT; Seattle, WA; Yakima, WA; Madison, WI.
Consult our website for all rally locations and start times.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOLD “RALLY TO TAKE BACK SCIENCE” IN 46 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 7th 2026
A Nationwide Day of Action to Save Science, Protect Health, and Defend Democracy.
March 3, 2026
Washington, D.C. — One year after the movement-defining Stand Up for Science protest, organizers are returning to the streets to demand scientific integrity, strong public health protections, and democratic accountability.
With 26 rally locations nationwide including our rally on the National Mall, along with 20 “pop-up rallies,” the Rally to Take Back Science will bring together scientists, health professionals, students, and community advocates to call for an end to political interference in America’s scientific enterprise, and for decision-making grounded in evidence and the public interest. Speakers will include members of Congress, members of state legislatures, Nobel laureates, and leaders in science and health.
What: Rally to Take Back Science
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Saturday, March 7th 2026 (consult our website for local start times)
Where:
Rallies with speakers: Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Falmouth, MA; Knoxville, TN; Lansing, MI; Logan, UT; Los Angeles, CA; Madison, WI; Missoula, MT; Nashville, TN; New York City, NY; Oklahoma City, OK; Palm Beach Gardens, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Research Triangle Park, NC; Richmond, VA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; Stanford, CA; Washington, DC
Pop-Up rallies (no speakers): Cardiff, CA; Chaska, MN; Chevy Chase, MD; Cincinnati, OH; Colchester, VT; Columbus, OH; Cornwall, NY; Machias, ME; Natick, MA; Needham, MA; Niles, MI; Prince Frederick, MD; Silver Springs, MD; St Charles, IL; Toledo, OH; Vacaville, CA; Wellesley, MA; Wichita, KS; Williston, VT; Yakima, WA.
Partner organizations: 50501DC, AAUP, ABC Health Coalition, Addiction Science Defense Network, Birmingham Indivisible, Champaign-Urbana Resistance Effort (CURE), Colorado Families for Vaccines, Critica Science, Defend Public Health, Democratic Club of Carlsbad and Oceanside (DEMCCO), EARTHDAY.ORG, Gerontological Society of America, Indivisible Montgomery (MD), March For Our Lives, Natural Resources Defense Council, NW Phoenix Humanists, Occupy Bergen County, Phoenix Nest Inc., Project Healthy Neighbors, Public Citizen, River Otter Ecology Project, Rogan's List, Rosie and the Resisters, Tennessee Families for Vaccines, Third Act Maryland, Tucson Climate Action Network, UVOTN (United Volunteers Of Tennessee), United SCV Indivisible, Vote Climate, Union of Concerned Scientists.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE: CDC-FUNDED HEPATITIS B STUDY IN GUINEA-BISSAU CANCELLED.
On-the-ground investigation raised alarms about safeguards for children, conflicts of interest, and grant oversight. Full report forthcoming.
February 25, 2026
Washington, DC —Stand Up for Science hosted a confidential briefing last week for Senate and House staff on a controversial CDC-funded Hepatitis B newborn vaccine study in Guinea-Bissau. After the briefing, the Government of Guinea-Bissau indicated the trial will not proceed. Foreign Minister Joao Bernardo Vieira told Reuters it is “not going to happen, period.”
Ahead of the briefing, a Stand Up for Science associate with decades of West Africa experience traveled to Guinea-Bissau to conduct an on-the-ground investigation. The investigation raised serious concerns that U.S. taxpayer funds were supporting a clinical trial that would not meet internationally accepted, U.S., or European ethical review standards, in a setting with inadequate safeguards to protect children from harm and exploitation.
The CDC, under the leadership of HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr awarded the $1.6 million grant in December 2025. The circumstances surrounding the award raised troubling questions about the grantmaking process. A Rolling Stone review found the award did not follow regulations, ethics review procedures, or conflict of interest safeguards for federally funded human-subjects research.
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SCIENCE WAS MISSING FROM THE STATE OF THE UNION. VOTERS NOTICED.
Stand Up for Science says omission reflects political vulnerability as cuts to research and public health affect every American.
February 25, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up for Science issued the following statement today in response to last night’s State of the Union address:
“Last night marked the longest State of the Union speech in history. What stood out most was what was missing: any mention of science. Science is not a niche concern. Approximately 34 percent of the U.S. workforce is in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and medicine, representing roughly 18 percent of eligible voters, and every American is affected by cuts and policy changes that weaken science and public health. The decision to avoid the issue reflects a political reality: attacks on science are unpopular and increasingly a liability heading into the midterms.”
Stand Up for Science will continue to elevate the consequences of cuts to research and public health infrastructure, and will mobilize scientists, health professionals, and supporters nationwide to make science and public health central issues in the 2026 midterm elections.
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE TO HOLD 'RALLY TO TAKE BACK SCIENCE' IN 33 LOCATIONS NATIONWIDE ON SATURDAY, MARCH 7th, 2026
A Nationwide Day of Action to Save Science, Protect Health, and Defend Democracy.
February 23, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - One year after the movement-defining Stand Up for Science protest, organizers are returning to the streets to demand scientific integrity, strong public health protections, and democratic accountability.
With 33 rally locations nationwide, the Rally to Take Back Science will bring together scientists, health professionals, students, and community advocates to call for an end to political interference in America’s scientific enterprise, and for decision-making grounded in evidence and the public interest.
What: Rally to Take Back Science
Who: Stand Up for Science
When: Saturday, March 7th, 2026 (consult our website for local start times)
Where: Albuquerque, NM; Atlanta, GA; Birmingham, AL; Boise, ID; Boston, MA; Buffalo, NY; Chicago, IL; Cornwall, NY; Denver, CO; Falmouth, MA; Houston, TX; Knoxville, TN; Lansing, MI; Los Angeles, CA; Madison, WI; Missoula, MT; Nashville, TN; New York City, NY; Oklahoma City, OK; Palm Beach, FL; Philadelphia, PA; Phoenix, AZ; Pittsburgh, PA; Portland, OR; Research Triangle Park, NC; Richmond, VA; San Diego, CA; San Francisco, CA; Seattle, WA; St. Charles, IL; Ventura County, CA; Yakima, WA.
Partner organizations: 50501DC, AAUP, Public Citizen, Vote Climate, March For Our Lives, ABC Health Coaltion, Addiction Science Defense Network, Birmingham Indivisible, Champaign-Urbana Resistance Effort (CURE), Colorado Families for Vaccines, Union of Concerned Scientists, Critica Science, Defend Public Health, Democratic Club of Carlsbad and Oceanside - DEMCCO, EARTHDAY.ORG, Gerontological Society of America, Indivisible Montgomery (MD), NW Phoenix Humanists, Occupy Bergen County, Phoenix Nest Inc., Project Healthy Neighbors, River Otter Ecology Project, Rogan's List, Rosie and the Resisters, Tennessee Families for Vaccines, Third Act Maryland, Tucson Climate Action Network, United SCV Indivisible, UVOTN (United Volunteers Of Tennessee).
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE CONDEMNS U.S.-FUNDED HEPATITIS B STUDY IN GUINEA-BISSAU.
Following WHO’s statement of concern, Stand Up For Science urges immediate action to halt unethical research practices.
February 17, 2026
Washington, D.C. — The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a statement expressing concern about a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention-funded hepatitis B study involving infants and children in Guinea-Bissau. In response, Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up For Science, issued the following statement:
“This obscene and unethical study, funded by U.S. taxpayers, is the latest indictment of RFK Jr.’s dangerous tenure at HHS. Guinea Bissau, like any country, must never be treated as a testing ground for the Secretary’s disproven theories. We have already seen the deadly consequences of his neocolonial adventurism in Samoa. Americans must speak out and demand an immediate end to any effort to use vulnerable children as pawns in an anti-vaccine agenda.”
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STAND UP FOR SCIENCE CALLS OUT ANTI-DEMOCRATIC BID TO BYPASS CONGRESS AND DEFUND NASA SCIENCE.
Withholding congressionally appropriated NASA science funds signals a broader crisis of democratic governance, not just funding.
February 11, 2026
Washington, D.C. — In light of the breaking news that the Office of Management and Budget is illegally withholding money appropriated by Congress for NASA’s science missions, Stand Up For Science has the following statement:
This is yet another illegal and anti-democratic move by Trump and his henchmen to bypass Congress.
This is exactly why Stand Up For Science has NOT celebrated the FY 2026 budget –we have a crisis of democracy, not just of funding. NASA science is the first victim of Trump and Russ Vought's schemes to implement the President’s agenda, even when Congress disagrees. It will not be the last.
Stand Up For Science will fight this in the streets, the courts, and in the media. It is time for the entire scientific field to cast off old adages about the apoliticism of science and join us in fighting back.
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687 NATIONAL ACADEMY MEMBERS URGE CONGRESS TO SUPPORT ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST RFK JR.
Experts —including 10 Nobel laureates —demand Congress bring the matter to the floor for a vote.
February 6, 2026
WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, February 6, 2026 -A group of 687 concerned members of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine —including 10 Nobel laureates —sent a letter to Members of Congress endorsing the articles of impeachment against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The signatories wrote in their individual capacities, not as representatives of their institutions.
“We urge our lawmakers to sign the discharge petition, so that this matter can be voted on in Congress,” the letter states. The articles of impeachment were introduced in the House of Representatives on Dec 10, 2025 by Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI).
In the letter, the scientists and medical leaders warn that Kennedy is spreading conspiracies and falsehoods, driving up health care costs, and putting lives at risk through actions that undermine evidence-based public health. They cite, among other examples, cuts to lifesaving research; withholding funds for previously approved biomedical grants; restricting access to vaccines; removing experts from CDC advisory panels; and misrepresenting scientific findings.
“Nearly seven hundred of the nation’s most respected scientific and medical experts, including Nobel laureates, are saying what families across America already know: RFK Jr. is a public health menace,” said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up For Science. “Each member of Congress has the power to save lives now by signing the discharge petition, bringing it to the floor, and voting. Every day of delay means more preventable suffering and loss.”
Stand Up For Science calls on Members of Congress to sign the discharge petition immediately and advance a vote to hold Kennedy accountable and protect the health and safety of the American people.
Letter to Members of Congress:
We, the undersigned Members of the National Academy of Medicine, the National Academy of Sciences, and the National Academy of Engineering, writing in our private capacities, endorse the Articles of Impeachment introduced in the House of Representatives on Dec 10, 2025 by Representative Haley Stevens.
As she has stated: “Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has turned his back on science, on public health, and on the American people – spreading conspiracies and lies, driving up costs, and putting lives at risk.” He has done this by (e.g.) cutting funding for lifesaving research, withholding funds for previously approved biomedical research, restricting access to vaccines, removing experts from the CDC’s advisory panels, misrepresenting scientific findings, approving the use of chemotherapy drugs to treat autism without FDA due process regarding risks to children’s health, and endangering pregnant women by raising unnecessary alarms about Tylenol, all without established evidence.
We urge our lawmakers to sign the discharge petition, so that this matter can be voted on in Congress.
Respectfully signed,
687 Concerned Members of the National Academies of Medicine, Sciences and
Engineering, signing in their individual capacities and not as representatives of their
institutions. These include 10 Nobel Laureates.
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Stand Up For Science: LOSS OF 10,000+ FEDERAL STEM Ph.D.S CONFIRMS YEAR-LONG WARNINGS AND THREATENS U.S. SCIENTIFIC LEADERSHIP AND PUBLIC SAFETY
January 30, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up For Science condemns the Trump Administration’s ongoing purge of federal scientific expertise following a new Science magazine analysis finding that 10,109 Ph.D.-trained experts in STEM and health roles left the federal government in 2025. Across 14 major agencies reviewed by Science, departures outpaced hiring by 11 to 1, resulting in a net loss of 4,224 STEM Ph.D.s and 106,636 years of federal service experience lost.
Stand Up For Science has warned for the past year that firings, forced or early retirements, terminated positions, and a hostile environment for evidence-based work would drive scientists out of government at scale. The data confirm the warning and underscore the damage already underway across science agencies, including at biomedical institutions overseen by the Health and Human Services Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
“This is what it looks like when you dismantle the humming brain of a nation,” said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up For Science. “These departures mean lost expertise, lost institutional memory, and lost capacity to innovate and to keep Americans healthy and safe. With RFK Jr. at the helm of key public health and biomedical institutions, the threat is not hypothetical. The damage to U.S. global scientific leadership is being done now, and rebuilding what has been hollowed out will take decades to fully recover.”
Stand Up For Science calls for immediate congressional action, including oversight hearings and whistleblower protections.
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Stand Up For Science Statement on FY2026 Science Appropriations
January 21, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up For Science acknowledges Congress’s passage of the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations package, which results in an overall reduction of roughly 5% for federal research and development, instead of the Trump Administration’s proposed 30% cut.
Stand Up For Science’s position is clear: this is not a “reversal” of cuts, and it is not an outcome we should celebrate. Avoiding the most extreme proposal does not mean America’s scientific enterprise is safe, stable, or adequately funded.
This appropriations package is also separate from other serious political risks to the U.S. scientific ecosystem, including ongoing impoundment and pocket rescission; the compounding impact of the 2025 cuts; blunt and haphazard workforce reductions; disruptions to and politicization of grantmaking; ideological interference in research priorities at the expense of scientific integrity; the sidelining of career scientists in favor of political appointees; and the closure or hollowing out of federal scientific institutions.
Additionally, appropriations are not sufficient on their own. Congress must ensure funds are actually released and disbursed as intended.
“The Trump Administration has destabilized our scientific ecosystem in ways that could take decades to repair,” said Stand Up For Science Founder and CEO Colette Delawalla. “Science is not ok. Scientists are not ok. We need a 30% increase to begin to address the damage from this past year. We need sustained, meaningful investment to rebuild and protect the institutions that keep Americans healthy, safe, and globally competitive.”
Stand Up For Science continues to call for significant increases in federal science funding, including inflation-adjusted growth, along with safeguards that protect scientific integrity and prevent political interference.
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Politicizing the Childhood Vaccine Schedule Will Cost Lives
Jan 5th, 2026
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up For Science strongly condemns Health and Human Services (HHS) Deputy Secretary O’Neill’s reported decision to overhaul the U.S. childhood immunization schedule, yet another dangerous escalation in HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s agenda to politicize children’s health and undermine American public health.
First, the “peer” countries cited as models differ in fundamental ways. Many are significantly smaller in population and geography and have universal health care systems with strong primary-care access and follow-up. When it comes to public health, these are critical distinctions. We must meet our health where it is, not where we want it to be.
Second, when a vaccine is already known to be safe and effective, it is unethical to withhold it from children for the sake of “placebo-controlled randomized trials.” For diseases like RSV, hepatitis A and B, dengue, and meningococcal disease (ACWY and B), the ethical standard is to compare schedules against existing protocols, not to deny proven protection. Calling placebo trials the “gold standard” in this context is unscientific and a violation of globally accepted research ethics.
We will not mince words. Under Secretary Kennedy’s leadership, this change will lead to preventable illness, death, and devastation for American families. Congress must act now to impeach and remove Secretary Kennedy.
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BREAKING: Stand Up for Science Supports Articles of Impeachment Introduced Against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
December 10, 2025
BREAKING: Stand Up for Science Supports Articles of Impeachment Introduced Against HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Stand Up For Science Founder and CEO Colette Delawalla available for comment and media appearances
Washington, D.C. — Following months of grassroots organizing, activism, and advocacy led by Stand Up For Science, Representative Haley Stevens (D-MI) introduced articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr to the House Clerk—officially launching impeachment proceedings. Today marks a critical milestone in the fight to save public health in America.
Stand Up For Science has been working closely with Representative Stevens' office to ensure that today's action reflects the urgency and gravity of the threat that Secretary Kennedy poses. In his brief tenure, Kennedy has inflicted lasting damage to our nation's public health infrastructure: dismantling vital health institutions, enacting policies incompatible with scientific evidence, and fueling harassment and violence against public servants. Put simply, Kennedy's words and actions are putting millions of lives at risk. Congress now has a duty to uphold its Constitutional mandate and to hold him accountable for betraying the trust of the American people and endangering Americans’ lives.
"RFK Jr.'s actions are negligent and will result in harm and loss of life. He must be impeached and removed,” said Colette Delawalla, Founder and CEO of Stand Up for Science. “As a scientist and a mother, I am not willing to go back to a time before robust public health interventions. For the first time in human history, we progressed from 30% of babies not making it to adulthood to over 98% surviving to adulthood because of modern medicine and vaccines. Eliminating effective public health interventions with proven track records and dismantling evidence-based science is not the way to promote health and reduce chronic illness. Stand Up For Science is ready to hold Secretary Kennedy accountable, as well as political candidates and other officeholders who are pushing a dangerous anti-science agenda.”
In August, Stand Up For Science launched the first public petition calling for Secretary Kennedy's impeachment and removal from office. Our petition, along with the satirical yet sobering Quack-O-Gram campaign, galvanized nearly 40,000 people to sign and united a broad coalition of organizations and advocates. On November 5th, Stand Up for Science led this coalition in a march from the National Mall to HHS Headquarters in Washington, DC to deliver over 150,000 signatures demanding Secretary Kennedy's removal and urge bipartisan Congressional action to safeguard public health in America.
Stand Up For Science commends Representative Stevens for taking this critical step to confront Secretary Kennedy's anti-scientific agenda. We urge all members of the House of Representatives to support the impeachment proceedings and stand up for public health and the American people.
---About Stand Up for Science: Stand Up for Science is a grassroots Washington, D.C. based 501(c)4 [EIN: 33-4154429] and 501(c)3 [EIN: 39-3280458] non-profit organization mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. Stand Up for Science was formed within days of executive orders breaking down federal science agencies. Weeks later, on March 7th, our first National Day of Action, we mobilized over 50,000 people at 170+ events across the world in support of science. Stand Up for Science has captured widespread national and international media attention, and federal scientists across multiple agencies (i.e., NIH, EPA, NASA, FEMA) have chosen Stand Up for Science as the platform for their dissent against this administration.
is a trademark of Stand Up For Science, non-profit organization, and it may only be used with prior written permission.
Copyright © 2025 Stand Up For Science, a 501(c)(4) non-profit organization
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July 21, 2025
NASA Scientists Stand Up for Agency Mission with “Voyager Declaration”
Washington, D.C. — On July 21, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) employees addressed a “Voyager Declaration” to NASA Interim Director Sean Duffy warning that proposed budget cuts and policies will permanently compromise the United States' advances on Earth and in space.
The Declaration lists "seven dissents" identifying the NASA administration budget cuts and management decisions that interfere with the agency's mission. Since 1958, Congress has mandated NASA to “explore the unknown in air and space, innovate for the benefit of humanity, and inspire the world through discovery.” For decades, NASA's mission has captivated Americans, reflecting the nation's drive for innovation and spirit of exploration. Today, on the 56th anniversary of humanity's first step on the Moon, NASA staff have taken a crucial step to safeguard vital contributions to American innovation and exploration.
The NASA signatories of the Voyager Declaration warn that changing the agency's Technical Authority capacities in the interest of budget cuts will come at the expense of safety, the underlying guiding principle of the Agency's work. The Declaration also points to cuts jeopardizing ongoing and Congressionally-funded one-of-a-kind missions (e.g. New Horizons, Chandra, Maven). Scientists are dissenting against policies that could benefit Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and former head of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), who directed the cuts and whose businesses stand to gain lucrative government contracts as NASA's functions are shuttered.
With the Voyager Declaration, NASA employees join their federal colleagues at the National Institutes of Health (the Bethesda Declaration) and Environmental Protection Agency (the EPA Declaration of Dissent) in directly challenging Trump-appointed administrators to uphold their agency's mission, restore science's foundational role in policy, and cease the systematic dismantling of federal scientific agencies.
In taking a public stance in defense of their work, government employees assume a significant personal and professional risk. In apparent retaliation for their role in the EPA Declaration of Dissent, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin put "The EPA 139" on an extended administrative leave. Despite fears of retaliation, NASA employees are standing up for their agency's mission and for their oath, stating their solidarity with other brave federal employees who stand up for science.
"NASA is a tangible product of the greatest expression of the American Dream. All of humanity has mused about reaching into the stars and through decades of unified support by presidents, congress, and the American public, we did it. America put the first human on the moon, we showed the world Pluto, we brought photos of the farthest corners of the universe home. Dismantling this American institution is a travesty. No one voted for this. No one voted to willfully give our global dominance in science to other nations in exchange for tax cuts for the ultra-wealthy," says Colette Delawalla, founder and Executive Director of Stand Up for Science.
The non-profit organization Stand Up for Science is hosting the Voyager Declaration and collecting signatures from the public in support. Current supporters include Nobel Laureates, prominent scientists, politicians, activists, patients, and more.
In solidarity with the Voyager Declaration of Dissent, Stand Up for Science urges Congress to maintain its bipartisan support for NASA in the 2026 budget, recognizing the agency's critical leadership in American and global science.
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There are four current NASA employees who are willing to go on record (and additional ones who are willing to speak on conditions of anonymity), available for interview. For security reasons, we have not listed them in this release, but welcome interested parties to contact [email protected].
Colette Delawalla (Stand Up for Science Founder and Executive Director) is available to discuss the impact of this action on the broader effort to save science, call the public to action, and encourage other federal agency employees to do the same.
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About Stand Up for Science: Stand Up for Science is a grassroots Washington, D.C. based 501(c)4 non-profit organization mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. We formed Stand Up for Science within days of executive orders breaking down federal science agencies. Weeks later, on March 7th, our first National Day of Action, we mobilized over 50,000 people at 170+ events across the world in support of science. Stand Up for Science has captured widespread national and international media attention, and federal scientists across multiple agencies (i.e., NIH, EPA and NASA) have chosen Stand Up for Science as the platform for their dissent against this administration. An opinion piece written by our founding leadership team is also available in Nature Human Behavior: “Why we organized ‘Stand Up for Science.’” Contributions to this 501(c)(4) organization are not tax-deductible; if you need to contribute to a 501(c(3), contact us at [email protected]
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June 9, 2025
NIH Staff Demand NIH and HHS Leadership Uphold NIH Mission in “Bethesda Declaration"
Washington, D.C. — Federal employees at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have stood up for the health and safety of the American people and faithful stewardship of public resources, demanding HHS and NIH leadership uphold the mission of the NIH “to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.” The Bethesda Declaration, addressed to Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, Secretary Kennedy, and members of Congress who oversee the NIH, raises concern over pressure to implement measures that harm the public. The document outlines how recently enacted policies interrupt ongoing clinical trials and patient care, public health monitoring, critical research, and early career scientist training programs.
NIH Staff say that because of termination of essential employees, politicization of research, and funding cuts they are unable to uphold their commitment to the NIH mission, the American people, and their ethical charge as scientists. Despite fears of retaliation, the Bethesda Declaration has been signed by over 300 NIH Staff including 93 staff who signed their full name.
“Standing up in this way is a risk, but I am much more worried about the risks of not speaking up. If we don’t speak up, we allow continued harm to research participants and public health in America and across the globe. If we don’t speak up, we allow our government to curtail free speech, a fundamental American value.” says Jenna Norton, PhD, MPH, NIDDK Program officer and one of the lead organizers of the Declaration.
Experts say the abrupt changes to the NIH threaten the ecosystem of the biomedical advancement. “The partnership between NIH and the academic community has made huge contributions to the almost every aspect of health of people across the US. Since January, the NIH staff have been forced to focus on issues other than the noble NIH mission. A large group of public servants have found the courage to speak out and say ‘Enough. Let us get back to our important work.’”, says Jeremy M. Berg, PhD, Former Director, National Institute of General Medical Sciences.
“It has been soul destroying to witness the politicization of research resulting in mass termination of grants that are in progress and doing well. It violated my Hippocratic oath,” says one NIH employee who wishes to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
Stand Up for Science is hosting the Bethesda Declaration and a letter of support. They are asking the public to join with them in supporting these federal employees by signing their open letter. Current supporters include Nobel Laureates, prominent scientists, politicians, activists, patients, and more.
According to Colette Delawalla, MA, MS, founder and executive director of Stand Up for Science, “These NIH employees have devoted their lives to civil service—they care deeply about the public. This is why they are courageously holding NIH and HHS leadership accountable. We are honored they have trusted us with this act of resistance and welcome any such future collaborations with other groups.”
At this historic moment, Stand Up for Science calls on the members of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee who will be soliciting testimony from NIH Director Dr. Jay Bhattacharya Tuesday at 10am to seek his commitment of support for NIH staff members signing the Bethesda Declaration.
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We have 5 current NIH employees who are willing to go on record (and several who are willing to speak on conditions of anonymity), available for interview. For security reasons, we have not listed them in this release, but welcome interested parties to contact [email protected].
Colette Delawalla (Founder and Executive Director) is available to discuss the impact of this action on the broader effort to save science, call to action for the public, and encourage other federal agency employees to do the same.
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About Stand Up for Science: Stand Up for Science is a grassroots Washington, D.C. based 501(c)4 non-profit organization mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. We formed Stand Up for Science within days of executive orders breaking down federal science agencies. Weeks later, on March 7th, our first National Day of Action, we mobilized over 50,000 people at 170+ events across the world in support of science. We received coverage from local, national, and international outlets, including Science, Nature, The New York Times, Forbes Magazine, Scientific American, STAT News, and The Scientist. An opinion piece written by our founding leadership team is also available in Nature Human Behavior: “Why we organized ‘Stand Up for Science.’”
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May 27, 2025
Scientists Raise Alarm Over Trump Executive Order Instituting Political Oversight of U.S. Research
Washington, D.C. — Trump’s recent Executive Order on “Gold Standard Science” is an open assault on science and scientific research in the United States. In an open letter from Stand Up for Science, Nobel laureates and thousands of other scientists decry the new Executive Order, which calls for politically appointed officers to identify and punish researchers who conduct science that does not meet Trump’s political qualifications.
On the evening of Friday, May 23rd, 2025, The White House released an Executive Order called Restoring Gold Standard Science. Scientists say the EO will undermine scientific rigor and the transparent progress of science, making U.S. research less credible, less reliable, and less impartial.
“As scientists, we are committed to a discipline that is decentralized and self-scrutinizing. Instead, this administration mandates a centralized system serving the political beliefs of the President and the whims of those in power,” reads the open letter.
“This Executive Order is an escalation of Trump’s ongoing assault on science,” says Colette Delawalla, founder and executive director of Stand Up for Science. “The White House is twisting scientific language in an attempt to justify political interference in what scientists are allowed to study and in the process of science itself.”
The EO is the latest in a series of heavy blows to the scientific ecosystem of the United States– including cancelling thousands of active research grants in climate science, misinformation and disinformation, vaccines, mental health, women’s health, LGBTQ+ health, and STEM education. Trump has also advanced a Congressional budget calling for massive cuts to federal spending on research and development and levied significant retaliation against universities that have not fallen in line with his demands.
Leading scientists are concerned this Executive Order is reminiscent of historical examples of political interference with science—including the Soviet Union’s political decision to reject agricultural science, which resulted in a famine that killed millions.
“We feel a responsibility to alert the public to what is at stake,” Delawalla says. “Our goal is to raise awareness of this Executive Order and highlight the historical parallels with authoritarian takeovers. This is a dangerous path.
The letter has been up for less than a day and has amassed over two thousand signatures, including leaders in science such as Nobel Laureates Victor Ambros, PhD, Carol Greider, PhD, Joachim Frank, PhD, the Executive Director of the Center for Open Science Brian Nosek, PhD, Climate Scientist Michael E. Mann, leading disinformation scientist Kate Starbird, PhD, former Director of the National Institute of General Medical Sciences Jeremy M. Berg, PhD.
“The ‘Restoring Gold Standard Science’ Executive Order is another link in a chain of cynical efforts going back more than a decade to undermine public trust in science,” says Jeremy Berg, PhD, a former NIGMS Director. “The proposed standards will be enforced by a political appointee who may ‘consult appropriate officials with scientific expertise...’ This represents yet another attempt to politicize science.”
For the full text and signatories: https://www.standupforscience.net/open-letter-in-support-of-science
Colette Delawalla (Founder and Executive Director) and others from the team are available to discuss the impact of the Executive Order on Americans, the role of science in democratic societies and the planned pro-science events across the Nation.
Additionally, Stand Up for Science has a new resource to connect the media with scientific sources. To request Press Connect sources, email [email protected] with the following: ideal source qualifications (e.g., PhD level, had a grant cut, from XXX city) and an overview of the topics you’d like to discuss.
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About Stand Up for Science: Stand Up for Science is a grassroots Washington, D.C. based 501(c)4 non-profit organization mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. We formed Stand Up for Science within days of executive orders breaking down federal science agencies. Weeks later, on March 7th, our first National Day of Action, we mobilized over 50,000 people at 170+ events across the world in support of science. We received coverage from local, national, and international outlets, including Science, Nature, The New York Times, Forbes Magazine, Scientific American, STAT News, and The Scientist. An opinion piece written by our founding leadership team is also available in Nature Human Behavior: “Why we organized ‘Stand Up for Science.’”
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May 14, 2025
Stand Up for Science Launches: The Summer Fight for Science
Washington, D.C. — Stand Up for Science, the non-profit organization that led the nationwide rallies on March 7th, 2025, is launching the Summer Fight for Science to combat the unprecedented attack on science by the Trump administration.
The Summer Fight for Science is a grassroots mobilization of scientists working to inform the public about the impact current and proposed cuts to research will have and pressure legislators to maintain science funding in the upcoming September budget vote. From teach-ins in churches and virtual open lab days, to science demonstrations at state fairs and farmers markets; they are taking science to the streets across the nation, all summer. Additionally, in partnership with groups like 5Calls.org and Indivisible, Stand Up for Science is mobilizing the fight for science and democracy.
According to Colette Delawalla, founder and executive director of Stand Up for Science, “The same freedom that supports a thriving democracy supports the ecosystem of American innovation. All of this is—and more—is at risk with the Administration’s cuts to federal science funding.”
The September Budget Vote will determine the future of the American scientific enterprise. The present draft includes nothing less than a scientific Armageddon. Specifically, it calls for a 56% cut to the National Science Foundation (NSF), a 40% cut to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and a 24% cut to NASA.
“The American Way is to tackle hard, ‘unsolvable’ problems, which we do through the freedom of exploration. This is why the federal government has invested in scientific research for decades, allowing investigators the freedom to turn over every stone in the hunt for progress,” says Delawalla.
These cuts will destroy programs in Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) prevention, next generation cancer treatment, addiction science, climate protection, sports injury prevention, and pandemic prevention. A 50% cut to scientific research funding in the US would cost the average American $10,000 annually by reducing our GDP by nearly 10 percent (https://impa.american.edu/costs-of-cutting-scientific-research/). But the public is not well informed about what is at stake.
“There’s a reason we have more Nobel prizes in medicine and science than the rest of the world combined. It’s because we fund science. Cutting the legs off the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes of Health with a chainsaw is cutting off the legs of American innovation. Without those legs, America can’t run,” explains Delawalla.
Colette Delawalla (Founder and Executive Director) and others from the team are available to discuss the impact of these budget cuts on Americans, the role of science in democratic societies, what is at risk in the September Budget Vote, and the planned pro-science events across the nation.
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About Stand Up for Science: Stand Up for Science is a grassroots Washington, D.C. based 501(c)4 non-profit organization mobilizing the fight for science and democracy. We formed Stand Up for Science within days of executive orders breaking down federal science agencies. Weeks later, on March 7th, our first National Day of Action, we mobilized over 50,000 people at 170+ events across the world in support of science. We received coverage from local, national, and international outlets, including Science, Nature, The New York Times, Forbes Magazine, Scientific American, STAT News, and The Scientist. An opinion piece written by our founding leadership team is also available in Nature Human Behavior: “Why we organized ‘Stand Up for Science.’”
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