"What do we want? Evidence-based policy. When do we want it? After peer review." Admittedly it wasn't the catchiest of chants, but scientists around the globe were in determined mood as they joined forces in a mass rally yesterday.
They were protesting on the first-ever March for Science day against what organisers described as an "alarming trend towards discrediting scientific consensus and restricting scientific discovery".
More than 400 demonstrations took place in 36 countries to support the scientific community and highlight the importance of the work it carries out.
The March was inspired by the women’s marches, which saw 2.6 million take to the streets in January. It also originated in Washington DC, with a number of solidarity demonstrations subsequently growing out of it. Rallies took place in countries including the US, Germany, Nigeria, Switzerland, Greenland, Australia and New Zealand.
Organisers said yesterday’s marches were not aimed at Donald Trump, but said the movement had been catalysed by his presidency.
A statement said: "We face a possible future where people not only ignore scientific evidence, but seek to eliminate it entirely. Staying silent is a luxury that we can no longer afford."
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