Stand Up For Science Rally Planned for Trenton
Stand Up For Science 2025, a nationwide rally advocating for science, takes place Friday, March 7. New Jersey’s rally and march are being held at the State Capitol Plaza in Trenton from noon to 2 p.m., and all New Jersey residents are invited and encouraged to participate. The event takes place in conjunction with marches across the country, including the nation’s capital, and emphasize the critical theme of the nationwide initiative: Science is for Everyone.
The march begins with a presentation from keynote speakers, including: Sam Wang, professor of neuroscience at Princeton University, Bobb Kopp, climate scientist at Rutgers University, and Kelly Bidle, dean of arts and sciences at Rider University.
“We want people to understand that science affects everyone, regardless of political affiliation,” notes Dr. Annika Barber, the lead organizer of the event and assistant professor of molecular biology and biochemistry at Rutgers University. Barber also emcees the event.
“Everyone in New Jersey benefits from the science we do in this state. Meet scientists excited to tell you how your tax dollars are investing in breakthroughs in biomedical and environmental science that improve our health and economy and learn how you can help keep New Jersey innovation moving forward.”
Organizers are focused on bipartisan support for science research, as well as the urgent need to protect scientific progress and funding. In recent weeks, many in the science community have been concerned about actions taken by the Trump administration, including the dismissal of federal scientists, blocking vital communication between scientific agencies, and limiting the federal funding of research.
A call-to-action follows the march: folks are encouraged to visit the local offices of their congressional representatives to advocate for continued funding for science. Fact sheets detailing the contributions of science to New Jersey will be available to help guide conversations with legislators.
Stand Up for Science 2025 Keynote speakers:
Sam Wang, speaking on the importance of political action in support of science.
Bobb Kopp, discussing the intersection of science and climate policy.
Kelly Bidle, addressing the importance of scientific research and education.
The rally’s primary focus is the long-term benefits of federal funding for science, which leads to critical advancements in medicine, technology, and environmental research. Federally funded United States scientific research has led to cures for dozens of cancers, proven methods to prevent illness and disease, and treatments for rare diseases, mood and drug disorders, and to combat Alzheimers and aging. These breakthroughs allow people to live longer, fuller, happier lives. A healthy population is also more productive and less burdensome on healthcare systems.
In New Jersey, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) alone provides direct support to more than 5,000 jobs and nearly 5,000 businesses. This funding generates a 3.25-fold return on investment, significantly contributing to the state’s economy. The organizers of the rally stress that cutting science funding will harm both scientific innovation and the economy, limiting progress and job opportunities across the state.
For more information, visit StandUpForScience2025.org.
Meals on Wheels of Mercer Joins End the Wait Campaign
Meals on Wheels of Mercer County (MOWMC) has announced its support of End the Wait, a nationwide campaign led by Meals on Wheels America designed to rally communities around their older adult neighbors. For far too long the pressing needs of seniors have been underfunded and ignored, leaving millions nationwide waiting for nutritious meals and moments of connection. Despite the fact that Meals on Wheels has been proven to be the most effective solution to senior hunger and isolation, community-based providers are waiting too — for more government funding, donations and volunteers — and they can’t wait any longer.
In honor of the Older Americans Act Nutrition Program anniversary and the End the Wait campaign, MOWMC is organizing a month-long event of prominent VIPs delivering meals throughout Mercer County to promote awareness.
“In the last year, we have experienced a 54 percent increase in the demand for our services in Mercer County,” said Beth Englezos, interim CEO and chief operations officer of MOWMC. “We appreciate the support our community has extended to us so far, but we need additional funding and volunteers in order to ensure every senior who could benefit from nutritious meals and social connection receives this vital lifeline.” 56 percent of MOWMC participants report that they live alone, many with no family members in the area. With more volunteers, more older adults could receive the extra care that comes with personal meal delivery from a friendly face.
Federal funding has not kept pace with either the growing senior population or rising costs. Additionally, only 1 percent of philanthropic donations in the U.S. go toward senior causes. Local Meals on Wheels providers like MOWMC exist in nearly every community across the country and are eager to do even more, but they desperately need more resources to do so.
“Across the country, local Meals on Wheels providers are working tirelessly to deliver seniors nutritious meals and moments of connection, but they could be reaching even more seniors and doing even more for them if they had additional resources,” said Ellie Hollander, president and CEO of Meals on Wheels America. “That’s why Meals on Wheels America launched a bold plan to End the Wait and ultimately ensure all seniors have access to the life-saving services they need to live nourished lives with independence and dignity.”
For more information on how you can volunteer, contribute or speak out for the seniors in Mercer County, visit www.mealsonwheelsmercer.org.
For more information about Meals on Wheels America’s campaign to End the Wait, visit www.mealsonwheelsamerica.org/end-the-wait.
