On 22 April 2017, scientists around the globe will gather to march for the cause of science and raise awareness about the importance of science for society. 

The March for Science movement started in Washington, D.C. earlier this year and quickly spread with parallel marches now being organised in more than 500 cities. What unites those behind the various demonstrations is the concern that parts of society and policies are moving away from evidence-based decision-making. Post-factual politics and scorn for experts are marginalising researchers politically. 

This issue is connected to other trends: Public funding for basic research is diminishing in many countries and nationalist policies are obstructing the movement of talent and the functioning of research institutions. Such developments threaten science and critical thinking and ultimately contribute to the erosion of the knowledge society. They go beyond the labs and libraries and touch all who acknowledge the cultural and economic benefits of such society.