On March 7, 2025, the United States saw an inspiring wave of activism under the banner of Stand Up For Science. From the National Mall in Washington, D.C., where thousands converged, to gatherings in cities like New York, Boston, and a vibrant turnout in Seattle that I personally attended, scientists and supporters took to the streets to defend the values that create an open and innovative society. While their messages were centered on the crucial need for support and understanding of the sciences, the themes provided broader lessons for leadership in turbulent times.
1. Stand Up for Core Values
Across the many renowned speakers at these rallies, from former NIH director Francis Collins to science educator Bill Nye the Science Guy, a single message shone through: stand by your core values at all costs.
Leaders in any field face moments when external pressures threaten their core values. The scientists’ refusal to bend in the face of funding cuts, layoffs, and political interference is a reminder that effective leadership means having the courage to stand up for what you believe—even when it’s unpopular. One of the popular slogans from these rallies, “Science not silence,” serves as a call to all leaders to defend their missions, communicate their values, and never compromise on integrity.
2. Foster a Culture of Open Communication
Another common thread across the many rallies and speakers was the call for open dialogue. Traditionally, scientists let their work speak for itself. But when critical funding and resources are under threat, it becomes increasingly important to step out of the lab and into the conversation.
The same holds true for business leaders across verticals. Organizations thrive in environments where employees feel safe to express concerns and share innovative ideas. By encouraging open communication, leaders can harness the collective wisdom that leads to problem solving and transformation.
3. Prioritize People Above All Else
Beyond the speeches about politics and scientific breakthroughs, there was a deeply human element to the Stand Up for Science rallies. Many protesters shared personal stories about the effects of policy shifts on their careers, as well as the life-saving impacts that scientific research had on their lives and the lives of loved ones. In Seattle, where I experienced the energy firsthand, scientists came together not just to protest but to reaffirm their collective worth. Jim Olson, a pediatric oncologist, researcher and biotech founder who received $100,000 in government support for his own education and training, reflected on the “enormous societal impact each time the government invests in a young scientist.”
Along these lines, leaders should recognize that people are the lifeblood of any organization. Investing in the belonging, learning and growth of employees isn’t just the right thing to do–it’s a strategic move that yields the best results and creates the biggest impact.
Additionally, highlighting the way a business is impacting individual humans can provide a strong ‘Why’ for employees to work towards. Leaders that do a good job of connecting the dots between business decisions and tangible, real-world outcomes can inspire and mobilize their teams most effectively.
4. Champion Diversity
One of the most recurring messages across all of the rallies was the defense of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in science. Recent moves by the administration to dismantle DEI initiatives and target research centered on marginalized communities inspired passionate resistance.
This message is relevant across sectors. In today’s environment, where DEI programs are under attack and frequently misunderstood, leaders who invest in building and supporting diverse teams unlock a broader range of perspectives, fueling better decision-making without compromising on standards or quality. Ultimately, any industry that serves a diverse population—whether they be customers, clients, or patients—needs a workforce that reflects that diversity in order to truly understand, innovate, and execute on their mission.
The Stand Up For Science rallies were born from aggressive policy moves—massive funding cuts, dismantling of diversity initiatives, and an increasing politicization of science. But they also carried broader lessons, showing that effective leadership involves a willingness to stand up for core values, to speak openly, to care for your people, and to champion diversity as a driver of innovation.
The strength of any organization comes from its people. By taking inspiration from the scientific community, we can build workplaces that are more resilient in the face of adversity, more inclusive, and ultimately, more successful.
