Fight for the future: Science Town Hall gives Philadelphians a chance to question elected officials on budget cuts

The future of scientific inquiry and academic freedom is in jeopardy. 

For the past four months, the scientific community has watched as the Trump administration continues its assault on science and higher education. Trump and his team decimate years of life-saving research through mass layoffs and abrupt funding cuts — interrupting progress and halting discoveries on the verge of a breakthrough. 

In Philadelphia, we have seen universities targeted, ostensibly for their diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and many researchers and federal employees have lost grants and jobs. Even greater losses are expected if Congress approves the sweeping science cuts outlined in Trump’s proposed budget, now under consideration.

This is a moment of urgent action. Protests and rallies are important, but they are not enough. We need our federal and state elected officials to hear from you, their constituents, about how the Trump administration’s anti-science policies are affecting your lives — and livelihoods. Equally as important, we need them to tell us firsthand how they plan to stand up to the Trump administration and protect the scientific community in Philadelphia. 

We are the group that brought 20,000 people together for the March for Science in 2017 under the first Trump administration and put on the Stand Up for Science rally earlier this year.

Like many in the Philadelphia area, our work at Philadelphia Science Action (PSA) and lives have flourished because of the vibrant science and higher education community. Philadelphia is known for its “eds and meds”, a city home to academic institutions, health system, and biotech companies.

All are crucial to a thriving economy in the Philadelphia region, as there are over 1,200 life sciences companies, close to 40 hospitals and health systems, and over 100 colleges and academic universities. Our livelihood, progress and innovative spirit depend on the health and science sectors thriving.

Which is why our organization, Philadelphia Science Action (PSA), is hosting a Science Town Hall with our Pennsylvania elected officials. PSA’s mission is “to promote science and scientific thinking for the advancement of society, and to champion evidence-based thinking and political dialogue.” We are the group that brought 20,000 people together for the March for Science in 2017 under the first Trump administration and put on the Stand Up for Science rally earlier this year.

We are demanding that our elected representatives take up the challenge of defending science in Greater Philadelphia by bringing the conversation to them. In partnership with the Science History Institute, Skype A Scientist and Start Talking Science, we are hosting a Science Town Hall at the Science History Institute from 6 to 8 pm on May 29.  

Make your voice heard by speaking directly to your representatives

As our congressional representatives consider Trump’s proposed budget — the blueprint for enacting his domestic agenda — they must recognize the grave consequences of allowing science and innovation to be gutted. 

Thus far, Congress has failed to adequately protect our region, confirming cabinet appointees and placing our nation’s health and future in the hands of those openly hostile to the public sector. Equally urgent is the responsibility of our state and local leaders to step up and strengthen support for science, research and innovation here at home. 

As national leaders in research and innovation, Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should be at the forefront of efforts to protect the freedom and sustainability of American science and higher education — not only because our region’s economic strength and cultural vitality depend on it, but because we have long stood at the vanguard of advancing the public good through science.

That’s why it’s so important for the Philadelphia community to show up, speak out and get the answers they deserve. 

The Science Town Hall will provide an opportunity for scientists, researchers, students, educators, clinicians, entrepreneurs and the community direct access to the elected officials who represent them. Attendees will have an open forum to voice concerns, ask questions and discuss with policymakers how they are supporting the Philadelphia scientific community.

This is our chance to help shape the future of science, technology, engineering/education, math/medicine in Philadelphia and to influence the policies needed to protect our scientific community.