Utrecht University supports #MarchForScience

The March for Science will be held this Saturday. In 500 cities worldwide, including Amsterdam, people will plead for independent research. Staff and students from Utrecht University will also be sharing their voices at the March for Science, including a speech by PhD Aukje Verhoeven and Professor Appy Sluijs speaking on the main stage.

Appy Sluijs: 'Scientific research is very much part of modern society. It is essential for the development of policies, for the economy, for culture and for democracy. For example, extensive fundamental research into the processes involved in climate change today and in the distant past is crucial to help us design effective measures that can halt undesirable changes.'

'The interaction between science and society already exists, but it could be intensified. There's always room for improvement,' Sluijs continues. 'We believe science should play an even more prominent role. The scientific community is currently experiencing a major transition towards more openness, towards open science, a development that will further improve the dissemination of research results and facilitate communication between science and other domains, such as the corporate sector or government. And all of this will serve to strengthen cooperation between science and society and create the conditions for long-term, sustainable funding for science.'

Rector Bert van der Zwaan: 'It's great that many scientists from Utrecht and other universities will be rallying for science. Unfortunately, I'll be out of the country, but the March for Science has my wholehearted support.'

March for Science – Netherlands
Museumplein Amsterdam
22 April 2017, Earth Day
12:00u - 16:00u
Science, not silence!

“Science is a fundamental tool for seeking answers, and values the objective weighing of evidence. It serves no special interests, nor should it be rejected based on opinions. Science values the notion that through rational inquiry and the rejection of superstition and prejudice, humanity can make real progress.”