Apolitical Science

An invasion of epic proportions began just before July 4th not long ago—an alien invasion. Their science and technology were vastly superior to ours, but thankfully, we had Will Smith to protect us. But, his heroism alone didn’t save humanity. It was also a scientist’s ingenuity. (Here’s looking at you, Goldblum.)

We depend on science for our national security, our modern luxuries, and our healthcare. A majority of Americans recognize this and support our nation’s scientific endeavors. And our scientific prowess has allowed us to influence the world since WWII. Since then, despite the ups and downs of political influence, the U.S. government has consistently funded the advancement of American know-how and reaped the rewards—until recently. There have been setbacks, hurdles, and all-out regressions. But America the Scientific will not go quietly into the night.

To nerds of science everywhere and to all folk alike, science is a constant source of enrichment. Our daily lives are awash with scientific breakthroughs and incredible discoveries. It’s easy to take them for granted because they’re ubiquitous. Our modern lives are sustained by science via microwaving our meatloaf, connecting instantly to anyone with our cell phones, and using our phones for everything else we use them for, including cat videos. It’s almost a strange exercise to imagine life without them.

And many people, no matter where they fall on the political spectrum, recognize the value of science. A Pew Research Center poll conducted in October of 2025 found that 84% of U.S. adults think that “government investments in scientific research aimed at advancing knowledge are usually worthwhile investments for society over time.” Another poll conducted in 2026 by Research!America, a non-profit organization that advocates for medical and health research, found that the majority of Americans agree that “Even if it brings no immediate benefits, basic scientific research that advances the frontiers of knowledge is necessary and should be supported by the federal government.”

Research!America also found that most Americans are concerned about the recent budget cuts and program cancellations in the federal government and their impact on scientific research and innovation. 67.5% of people think Congress should be spending more taxpayer dollars to advance science and technology in the U.S., not less. And a majority are concerned with the possibility that China will surpass the U.S. as the world’s leader of science and technology. Pew’s report found that nearly all Americans, 91% of U.S. adults, think it is at least somewhat important “for the U.S. to be a world leader in scientific achievements.” A majority says this is very important. In a written response, Erin Heath of the American Association for the Advancement of Science told me, “This is a time to advance that leadership, not retreat from it.”

In the face of strong public support, scientific research in the U.S. has been confronted with significant challenges from the federal government. Knowing that science can’t wait on politics, researchers and healthcare professionals from all over the country have stepped into some of the roles historically played by the federal government. And private institutions are making donations in an effort to mitigate harmful setbacks, such as funding cuts to the National Institutes of Health. Some organizations, like the Union of Concerned Scientists, are taking a broader approach.

UCS has been busy since its founding in 1969, and today is no different. The organization concerns itself with issues ranging from food sustainability to nuclear weapons policy. UCS is also advocating for the passage of the Scientific Integrity Act (H.R. 1106 and S. 4545). If passed, it would help protect federal scientists’ work and increase accountability. The first paragraph of the bill says that “science and the scientific process should help inform and guide public policy decisions on a wide range of issues.” According to Research!America’s poll, 91.1% of Americans agree that it’s at least somewhat important “for scientists to inform elected officials about their research and its impact on society.” A majority on both sides of the aisle say it’s very important.

On June 3rd, UCS launched its Science Rising initiative. It aims to protect science and democracy by rallying scientists, lobbying Congress, sustaining essential research, and shaping the future of federal science. Dr. Arati Prabhakar, former Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, spoke at the virtual launch of Science Rising saying there is a “bilateral relationship” between democracy and science. The initiative is led by Matt Heid, the UCS Senior Director of Communications and Strategy, and Melissa Varga, the Scientist Organizing Associate Director.

The gravity of the situation is palpable when Heid speaks and so is his passion and optimism. He spoke with me the day after the launch, a Science Rising poster hanging on the wall behind him. He acknowledged the reality that critical scientific work will be jeopardized without the support the federal government has historically provided. But he says the model UCS is using has proven to be effective in the past and every action taken is another step towards making a difference. That includes actions taken at the individual level too, whether it’s communicating with elected officials, submitting public comments, or simply talking to friends and family. With so much going on, it can feel overwhelming, Heid says. It’s helpful to find something you’re passionate about and focus on it, whatever that something is.

One particular focus of UCS is to make sure that policymaking is informed and evidence-based. They believe that science is the best way to provide health, security, and prosperity to our society. Heid says, “As we reimagine the scientific enterprise, we want to ensure that it benefits all people.” They are also tracking independent scientific efforts that are attempting to fill the federal void. This works to illustrate the scale of what’s happening and also creates a resource for those who previously relied on the government.

Many people are concerned with current federal science policy, not just scientists. When the benefits of science are linked to people’s everyday lives, Heid says, it’s easy to see how essential and valuable it is. Everyone’s situation is different, and people can’t always be involved at the same level, but being complacent won’t solve anything, he continues. “Yeah, find your something.”

Our government and our society have been intertwined with science for decades, and this bilateral relationship has provided for our defense, healthcare, technology, and modern way of living. Our nation would not be what it is today without our scientific fortitude to face any problem with resolve and ingenuity. America the Scientific will endure as we celebrate our republic’s 250th anniversary. And don’t quote me on this, but I think Will Smith would agree.