More than 2000 scientists and members of the public gathered in Edinburgh on the 22nd of April to promote and defend science. The March for Science saw them descend upon the Scottish Parliament, after starting their parade from Waterloo Place.
The march ended with a series of speeches by academics. Professor Peter Kind, Co-Director of the Patrick Wild Centre, made a staunch defence of science. He said: “Our society needs and deserves a citizenry with minds wide awake and a basic understanding of how the world works”. His full speech can be seen here. (Starting at 8:40 Minutes)
More than 400 similar initiatives in 36 countries have sprung up since President Donald Trump was elected to the White House. Organised by volunteers, the Edinburgh march celebrated and promoted science and its diversity. It also hoped to show why funding for science is important and to highlight how it is under threat.
