Stand Up For Science: From Protests to a Force Against Anti-Science Policies

From Protest to Politics: How ‘Stand Up For Science’ Is Expanding Its Influence

A year after initial demonstrations highlighted concerns about the direction of science under the Trump administration, the activist group “Stand Up For Science” is evolving. What began as a nationwide day of protest is now a formal organization actively engaging in political strategy, attempting to counter what it views as a systematic reshaping of science, higher education, and public health policy. The group’s approach extends beyond raising awareness, encompassing direct action, legal challenges, and targeted political engagement, particularly as the 2026 midterm elections approach.

The initial “Stand Up For Science” rallies, held in March 2025, drew attention to anxieties surrounding potential disruptions to research and public health initiatives. However, as Colette Delawalla, founder and executive director of Stand Up For Science, explained, the protests alone weren’t enough to prevent funding cuts and personnel changes within federal agencies. This realization spurred a shift towards a more multifaceted strategy.

Building a Political Infrastructure

Over the past year, Stand Up For Science has taken concrete steps to establish itself as a political force. The organization facilitated the circulation of letters from career federal scientists voicing alarm over the impact of Trump administration policies. They collaborated with a Democratic representative to file articles of impeachment against Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., and even dispatched an investigator to examine and report on a hepatitis B vaccine trial in Guinea-Bissau that raised ethical concerns among global health experts. Recognizing the need to build public trust in science, organizers too established Science for Good, a separate nonprofit dedicated to fostering scientific literacy, and engagement.

This more assertive approach hasn’t been without friction. Delawalla acknowledges that the group’s willingness to employ confrontational tactics – including a memorable protest involving rubber ducks directed at members of Congress – has occasionally drawn criticism from more established science advocacy groups. Stand Up For Science has reportedly not received donations from scientific societies, but Delawalla believes the organization is filling a critical void within the scientific community.

Meeting the Moment: A New Approach to Advocacy

Delawalla frames the group’s evolution as a response to a broader political landscape. “What we found was that fascism is stopped successfully when everybody pulls every lever,” she stated in the days leading up to the 2026 protests. “So you need everybody doing everything that they can to stop the machinery in place.” She argues that the scientific community excels at “insider baseball” – navigating the intricacies of appropriations and policy details – but lacks the capacity for direct action, strategic communication, and public engagement.

This assessment has informed Stand Up For Science’s strategy of meeting opposition “in the streets,” which now encompasses social media, targeted congressional districts, and everyday spaces where misinformation flourishes. The organization actively monitors the messaging of groups aligned with the Trump administration (referred to as “MAHA” by Delawalla) and responds directly, aiming to counter narratives and engage in public discourse. They are actively tracking and responding to the administration’s shift in focus, away from vaccines and towards issues like food policy.

Science at the Polls: Targeting the Midterms

With the 2026 midterm elections on the horizon, Stand Up For Science is focusing its efforts on a select group of approximately 40 congressional districts identified as strategically important. These districts, chosen for their potential responsiveness to science-related messaging, are not necessarily high-priority targets for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC). The group tested its tactics in the recent Tennessee special election, and is now preparing to mobilize voters around issues related to scientific innovation, public health, and environmental protection.

Delawalla emphasizes that a significant portion of the U.S. Workforce – approximately 34% – is comprised of STEM professionals, a constituency she believes is often underestimated and under-mobilized. The organization’s core message is simple: people care about science, clean air and water, safe food, and preventing disease.

Expanding the Definition of Science Advocacy

Stand Up For Science’s evolution reflects a growing recognition within the scientific community that advocacy requires more than just expert testimony and policy briefs. It demands a willingness to engage directly in the political process, to challenge misinformation, and to mobilize public support. The group’s approach, while sometimes unconventional, represents a new model for science advocacy in a highly polarized political climate. The organization is planning demonstrations in 53 different locations on March 7, 2026.

Looking Ahead: A Multi-Pronged Strategy

The organization’s future success will likely depend on its ability to sustain its momentum, build broader coalitions, and navigate the complexities of political engagement. Delawalla and her team are committed to continuing their multifaceted approach, leveraging both insider expertise and grassroots activism to advocate for evidence-based policies and protect the integrity of science.