April 22, 2017:  The March for Science swept Washington, D.C. and more than 166 sister cities around the U.S. and the globe. The non-partisan movement underscored the benefits that science brings to society, to emphasize the need to make policy decisions based on data and evidence, and to urge policy-makers to maintain funding for publicly-supported scientific research.

I marched in Nashville for my father, who we lost to lung cancer last year because there weren’t any available treatments that could stop his vicious tumor. I marched because we need to fund science to discover new ways to crush cancer in its tracks.

People from all walks of life were inspired to march for many reasons. In Nashville we ignored cold and rain to make our voices heard and to lay the groundwork for continued action.

Highlights of the voices and messages in Nashville sounded key themes:

Keep politics out of science, and rely on evidence.

Science is not a partisan issue, and politics really have no place in science.

Jason Hoomani brandished a sign saying, “What do we want? Evidence-based science! When do we want it? After peer review.”

I’m a nursing scientist, and I believe that we need to work toward the best evidence possible for the health of not only our community and our state but the whole world.

Sally Miller toted a sign saying, “Nurse scientist for truth and a healthy world.”

Children need valuable science education

My son participates in the Rover Challenge at the NASA Space and Rocket Center, and the funding for that wonderful program that brings kids from all over the country and globally to compete and build and learn about science and technology is under threat.

Tara Gibson marched with her husband, son, and daughter holding signs that read “Less invasions, more equations,” and “STEM matters – Don’t defund the Rover Challenge.”

Science points to the evidence of climate change

They cannot repeal climate change because it will still happen whether anyone believes it or not, and we need to act on it right now so we will have an Earth to live on and act on things in the future.

Caroline Glover marched with friends from the Eco Club at Belmont University, carrying signs that read “You can’t repeal climate change” and “S.O.S. – Save Our Seas.”

Science and humanities benefit our society and enrich our lives

Science funding in the United States is threatened, and I think that would be the worst thing we could do. I support funding for the humanities, as well, because our lives would be impoverished without art, music, theater, and literature. We need to have a world that funds both science and humanities.

David Schlundt donned a sign reading, “Fully fund knowledge creation! It’s “the way,” with a Tao symbol joining together Science and Humanities and the yin and yang.

Medical research saves lives and improves quality of life

Science and God do not have to be opposed to each other. They can walk hand in hand. I’m going to be walking again normally in a couple of weeks thanks to science and God and my healthcare providers and my family.

Connie Ely was pushed in a wheel chair holding a sign that read, “God and Science – It’s not a ZERO SUM GAME!”

I am a breast cancer survivor, and medical science has saved my life!

Shannon Wood carried a sign saying, “Celebrate Science.”

This was one day to start the momentum. As a rally speakers said, marching is just the first step. Next we have to take action as voters and tell policy makers what we think. (See: How to Be Heard by Legislators about Proposed NIH Budget Cuts)

Let’s continue the momentum with clear and sustained communication about how science matters.

More Photos from the March for Science in Nashville

About the Author

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Pamela Hull, PhD

About Me

Pamela Hull, Ph.D., is a medical sociologist with expertise in the development, testing, and dissemination of behavioral interventions to promote cancer prevention behaviors in youth, specifically HPV vaccination, healthy eating, and physical activity. She applies community-engagement, implementation science, and technology-based applications in her research, much of which focuses on disparities.