On Saturday 22^nd April, scientists and science enthusiasts in London will join hundreds of thousands of people in more than 400 locations across the globe to recognise scientific progress, raise awareness of scientific discovery, and defend scientific integrity.

At a time when fake news is rife and independent experts face challenges in getting their message heard, the March for Science is a celebration of the vital role that science plays in each of our lives and the need to respect and encourage research that gives us insight into the world. The March for Science champions science and the cross-border collaborations that are vital in enabling progress.

London has long been a global centre for the advancement of scientific thinking and The London March for Science is part of an international movement that recognises the need to preserve the productive and diverse research partnerships in the UK and around the world. We understand that the most effective way to protect science is to encourage the public to value and engage with it.

Starting from the iconic steps of the Natural History Museum and the Science Museum, thousands of people will march through London’s streets; passing great scientific institutions such as the Royal Society before ending with a rally in Parliament Square.

Story Sylwester, March For Science London organiser, said:

“From the foundation of the Royal Society and the Royal Greenwich Observatory in the 17th Century, to more modern institutions such as the British Library, the Francis Crick Institute and the Wellcome Trust, London has long been a bedrock of scientific inquiry. The London March for Science is an opportunity for scientists and science enthusiasts to come together and defend the scientific integrity, inquiry and curiosity they love.”

March for Science falls silent

Saturday 22^nd April also marks the one month anniversary since the attacks on Westminster. To recognise this, there will be a minute’s silence at 2:40 PM during the rally in Parliament Square for people to pay their respects to the victims of the attack.

The march lives on

We are proud to announce that The Cosmic Shambles Network is the official legacy partner of the March for Science London. The Cosmic Shambles Network has always been a home for celebrating curiosity and science and its range of content, including some from the march itself, will continue to make sure the message of the march continues to live on after the day. It is the ideal place for people who want to keep on discovering and learning about our wondrous universe and who want to have a laugh while doing it. People who believe that it is indeed our curiosity that makes us human.

The march supported

A diverse range of organisations have added their backing to the march, including: Astrobiology Society of Britain, The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Campaign Against Climate Change, For Life on Earth, IFL Science, Prospect, Science Council, Science is Vital, Scientists for EU, Society of Spanish Researchers in the UK, University and College Union.

The route

Notes to editors

• The march will begin to assemble outside the Science Museum on Exhibition Road, Kensington, London SW7 2DD, from 11am.
• The nearest tubes are South Kensington, Gloucester Road and Knightsbridge.
• The march will set off from 12 PM and head down Kensington Road, along the route above to the rally point at Parliament Square.
• The rally will begin in Parliament Square at approximately 2 PM and last until 3:30 PM.
• A minutes silence will be held for the victims of the Westminster attack at 2:40 PM to mark the moment of the attack one month on.
• Speakers to be announced and timing subject to change.
• The Cosmic Shamble Network is the official legacy partner of the March for Science, London. The Cosmic Shambles Network creates and curates podcasts, digital content and live events for people with curious minds. People who want to find out more about our universe through science, art, history, philosophy, music, literature. Photos, videos and podcasts will be available after the march on their website.

For more information, contact Vanessa Furey on 07834 164 018 or vanessafurey@gmail.com.

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