Scientists prepare for protest: 'the march should be a starting point'

March for Science organisers hope the mobilising thousands around the world can help restore science to its rightful place. But marching may not be enough

The placards are made, the speeches prepared. On Saturday, crowds in their thousands are expected at 500 marches in more than 35 countries to remind the world, and its many politicians, that society cannot thrive without science. It will be the largest show of solidarity for science the globe has ever seen.

Arranged to coincide with Earth Day, the anniversary of the modern environmental movement, organisers hope that the mobilisation of so many can help restore science to what they consider to be its rightful place. But despite healthy support for the events - more than 100 professional societies and organisations have endorsed them - marches alone will not be enough, according to researchers who study protest movements.