What will happen:
On April 22, people all over the world in over 600 cities will hit the streets to demonstrate for the value of science and research. In Germany, marches will take place in 22 cities. The first event of all marches will begin in Kiel, briefly before the first (most eastern) march in Christchurch, New Zealand: On April 22 there will be short presentations in the Audimax, University of Kiel, and a lightshow at the tall uni building, startin 9 pm. You’ll find detailed information on all events in Germany here: https://marchforscience.de/auch-in-deiner-stadt/
What’s this all about?
One of the most important prerequisites of a functioning democracy is the informed citizen. When scientifically facts backed up by evidence are denied, devalued, or considered equal to so-called “alternative facts” for political purposes, this endangers not only the right to exist for science, but puts democracy as a whole in danger. The German March for Science therefore demonstrates against populism with its half-truths and lies – and for a fact-based discourse as the foundation of a free, democratic society.
Who’s in?
Far more than 1500 people have signed our supporter list, among them 5 German Nobel Prize winners, the German Alliance of Science Organization and most of their presidents in person, numerous personalities from science, politics, and culture, and countless people who value the freedom of science (a complete list can be found here: www.marchforscience.de/unterstuetzer/).
During the 22 marches, there will be numerous speakers – in many cities, the university presidents, and also the presidents of important scientific institutions (e.g., Martin Stratmann, President of the Max Planck Society, in Munich; Margret Wintermantel, President of the German Academic Exchange Service DAAD, in Bonn) as well as other institutions with an affinity to science.
The mayor of Berlin is among the speakers as well as Theresia Bauer, Science Minister of Baden-Württemberg (speaking in Heidelberg) and her equivalents from Northrhine-Westphalia, Svenja Schulze (speaking in Bonn), and Lower Saxony, Gabriele Heinen-Kljajić (in Göttingen).
Altogether, we are expecting about 25,000–40,000 people to participate in the 22 German marches.
Fun Facts
On the international website www.marchforscience.com, no country except for the US has a similar number of marches.
In Germany, likely fewer people than in Washingto, DC will participate (they are expecting 100,000 participants), but Germany likely has a different record: the world’s smallest March for Science – on the island of Helgoland.
Press Pictures
You’ll find photos from the different marches here. Please use them at your convenience.