March for Science in Berlin 2017
25.04.2017 | There are no alternative facts – March for Science in Berlin
On 22 April 2017, demonstrations for freedom in science and research took place in over 600 cities. The ‘Marches for Science’ were protesting against ‘alternative facts’ and in favour of enlightenment through knowledge. In Berlin, around 11,000 people marched from Humboldt University to the Brandenburg Gate, where Berlin’s Mayor and leading scientists attended a closing rally where they drew attention to the importance of science.
Safeguarding scientific freedom
‘Berlin has a very special responsibility to stand up for freedom,’ said Berlin’s Mayor and Senator of Science, Michael Müller. ‘That is why we stand in solidarity with persecuted scientists and with academic institutions whose very existence is in peril. That is why we are committed to standing against those who undermine scientific freedom and turn untruths into alternative facts. And that is why we are standing together for independent science and an open, tolerant and free society.’
Berlin makes an appearance
The March for Science is not primarily a protest against US government policy, instead highlighting the value of science and research in an open democracy. It is also something that TV presenter and science journalist Ranga Yogeshwar made clear: ‘Instead of proven findings, people are disseminating bias and fabricating “alternative facts” to stoke fears and create a certain atmosphere. We mustn’t allow populists to dangerously simplify our world in order to divide our society.’ Biologist and postdoc Vladislav Nachev spoke on behalf of the organisers of the Berlin March for Science: ‘As a scientist, when I’m speaking to my colleagues, neither skin colour nor nationality is of any consequence. Thinking scientifically means speaking a common language, a language that connects us all.’
Many of the protesters’ banners used humour to highlight the importance of science and research: Slogans such as ‘Not even your momma denies climate change!’, ‘Act now or swim later’ and ‘Facts trump everything’ appeared on the banners. The demonstrators had found another common language, namely humour. However, the issue remains a serious one. The organisers of the march will continue to take action for the sake of science and research.