Standing for science: mobilizing the scientific community

In this time of challenge and change, we’d like to update you on what we’re doing to support science, highlight ways you can continue to engage with these efforts, and share some good news. One thing is clear: our community is showing up.

When we first asked you to share your stories about the impact of recent federal actions on you, your work, and your community, we didn’t know what to expect. What we received was a thoughtful outpouring of commitment, courage, and clarity in support. And we’re just getting started.

• So far, you’ve shared nearly 300 powerful stories about how federal support for science impacts your life, your work, and your communities in the U.S. and around the globe. These stories will help us show lawmakers how their decisions affect both science and scientists.
• More than 70 members have signed up for in-person Senate meetings at regional offices across our priority states, enabling us to put real scientists from the community in front of decisionmakers.
• We’re off to a strong start, but we still need more voices, especially from key states: Alaska, Alabama, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, and West Virginia. If you haven’t already, tell us what federal investment in science means to you. We’re looking for stories of the impact of science and science funding on you, your town, and state.

If you wish to help, please join our advocacy email list, continue to read our communications, and follow APS on social media. And encourage a colleague to do the same.

Amicus Brief supporting federal science agency staff

On Tuesday, March 11, APS filed a legal brief in support of federal employees at the federal science agencies, including DOE, NASA, NIST, NOAA, and NSF, who had been indiscriminately fired by the current Administration.

• Many of these civil servants are members of the physics community; they deserve our respect and appreciation.
• We make the case that there is no evidence that these terminations meet the government’s stated goals of restoring efficiency and reducing waste; instead, we argue that the firings harm the public interest.
• Learn more by reading our brief.

There is good news to share on this front: On March 13, a federal judge ruled in favor of the federal employees, requiring that they be immediately rehired. The Administration is appealing the ruling and has asked the Supreme Court to rule on the case. APS is prepared to re-file our brief with the court, and we have extended the opportunity for other scientific societies to join us in standing in support of our colleagues at the federal science agencies.

Looking back on the Global Physics Summit

The energy in Anaheim was unmistakable. From discussions in the APS Village to packed sessions on science advocacy and communication, one theme was constant: people want to act.

• During the Global Physics Summit alone, more than 600 letters were sent to representatives through our Contact Congress station, a clear message that our community is ready to mobilize.
• We were proud to see new advocates stepping up, with volunteers recruited for key-state congressional meetings right from the Summit show floor.

Our two Town Hall sessions, where community members shared their thoughts directly with APS leadership, were an important opportunity for us to listen and learn. We heard that you want to know more about what we’re doing to support not only science, but also scientists. That you want us to continue our work in addressing federal support while looking to broaden our approach. That you want to be empowered to participate and make a difference. Thank you to everyone who attended, and if you have not done so already, please join our campaign.

We know that protecting science and supporting scientists isn’t a one-time action. At APS, we view this as a long-term, sustained effort. It requires a multifaceted campaign — one we are committed to pursuing together. As this campaign progresses, we’ll keep sharing updates, ways to get involved, and more about how we’re working with the community.

The stakes remain high, but so does our resolve. Thank you for standing with science.