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It’s ‘personal.’ What the Stand Up for Science rally meant for attendees

In Washington, D.C., and across the U.S, people turned out to support and celebrate science

A crowd gathers along the reflecting pool carrying signs in support of science.

Protestors gathered on the National Mall on March 7 in support of science.

Alex Viveros

By Meghan Rosen and Alex Viveros

WASHINGTON, D.C. — On a sunny afternoon steps from the Lincoln Memorial, crowds of protesters gathered to stand up for science. 

Wispy clouds streaked across blue skies as people chanted, cheered and waved hand-made signs featuring scientific puns and heartfelt pleas. An hour into the event, Francis Collins, the former head of the National Institutes of Health, grabbed an acoustic guitar and started a science-themed singalong.