A vocal contingent of self-described pro-science protesters rallied in Trenton on Friday, joining more than 30 other rallies nationwide as part of “Stand Up for Science” campaign.
The crowd — included several college professors and deans — took aim at the Trump administration for attempting to slash funding to the National Institutes of Health and New Jersey’s institutes of higher learning.
“When we can’t have that basic research from fundamental studies in cells, in flies and worms, all the way up to human clinical trials, then we’re not moving forward,” said Annika Barber, an assistant professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at Rutgers University. “We are less healthy.”
Sunita Kramer, dean of science at The College of New Jersey, added: “Our future depends on investing in science education. Every major breakthrough, whether in medicine, clean energy or artificial intelligence, begins with students.”
Former U.S. Rep. Rush Holt, a physicist, was also among those on hand. “Science has brought medicines, materials, munitions, as promised,” he said. “But something much more valuable and much more powerful: truths.”
Rutgers officials have said the Trump administration’s proposed cuts could leave the university with a $57 million hole in its budget next year.
