In the early days of the Trump administration, many in the biomedical research community felt overwhelmed. There was little organized pushback against the cuts to research funding and diversity initiatives. Many activists had exhausted their energy and moved on, leaving researchers and drugmakers quiet about the potential funding slashes to universities.
However, signs of resistance are beginning to emerge. Unions representing fellows at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and various universities are gearing up for a protest at the Department of Health and Human Services next week. At the same time, a grassroots group of scientists is planning a nationwide protest in March, expressing their frustration over changes that threaten their research and livelihoods.
Ian Fucci, part of the NIH Fellows United union, shared, “Things are changing quickly and in a terrible direction. Funding cuts and harmful policy changes are affecting science in America.” His union, which includes around 5,000 fellows, is joining forces with other unions to unite their voices. The upcoming protests reflect their dissatisfaction with the direction of scientific funding and policy under the new administration.
Protest organizers describe a troubling situation. They feel stuck as the new administration pushes for significant cuts to essential funding that supports research infrastructure. For many, this threatens their ability to conduct critical studies. Bioinformaticist JP Flores noted the importance of taking a stand. “Everyone feels like we should do something to show we care,” he said, referring to the planned events. The protests aim to send a message that science impacts everyone, regardless of political views.
The upcoming protests also echo the initial momentum of the March for Science in 2017, which arose from similar frustrations. The current event is being organized by early-career researchers who have learned from past experiences. They aim to gather support from a diverse audience, encouraging anyone who values science to participate.
While some have criticized the lack of an organized resistance compared to previous years, experts note that it takes time for movements to build from discomfort. Dana Fisher, a sociologist who studies activism, pointed out that during the first Trump administration, it also took time before there was widespread protest activity. Today, some activists are feeling a heightened urgency, potentially leading to more intense protests.
The political climate today is more charged than it was in 2017. Fisher noted that many people feel personally threatened by job losses and health care changes, which may drive them to take action. This heightened emotion can shift how protests unfold, bringing an element of uncertainty and risk.
Colette Delawalla, an organizer, expressed her anxiety about the protests. She wonders if enough people will show up and if there will be any backlash for participating. Despite her worries, she knows that sometimes it’s necessary to push through fear. “You can just be afraid and do it,” she emphasized.
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