Over 1,000 scientists and students gathered at UC San Diego to protest potential cuts to scientific research funding.
SAN DIEGO — More than a thousand science professors and graduate students rallied outside the Geisel Library at UC San Diego on Friday to protest potential federal funding cuts that threaten scientific research.
The “Stand Up for Science” demonstration comes as UC San Diego faces the possibility of losing over $150 million in federal funding. Protesters expressed concern about the impact of these cuts on ongoing research and future scientific discoveries.
Cathy Gere, a professor of history, drew parallels between the current situation and historical challenges to scientific freedom. “My community of historians of science is freaking out right now as we look at the ominous resemblances between this time and science under dictatorships of the past,” Gere said.
Grace Cawley, a Ph.D. student at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, emphasized the broader implications of the funding cuts. “When funding is cut, it doesn’t just impact researchers. It threatens the entire infrastructure that supports ocean science and resource management,” Cawley said.
The rally also highlighted concerns about the future of scientific careers. Brenda Bloodgood, an associate professor of biological sciences, noted, “Already on this campus and throughout the country, there is a freeze on hiring new faculty.” Bloodgood added, “We must stand for science. Stand up for science, or we stand to lose a generation of scientists and all of the discoveries that they would make.”
The protest took place at the same location where, a year ago, police had to break up a demonstration over the war in Gaza. In contrast, Friday’s gathering remained peaceful.