Arkansas lawmakers joined medical professionals, researchers and advocates on the steps of the state Capitol Friday for a rally in support of science.
Inspired by the national Stand Up for Science Movement, participants believe that “publicly funded science drives innovation, strengthens the state’s economy, and improves the lives of Arkansans,” according to a press release.
Concerns about the future of scientific research in the United States comes as federal scientists and health researchers have been among the thousands of federal workers fired this year as part of efforts to reduce the federal workforce.
The National Institutes of Health in February also announced a 15% cap on “Facilities and Administrative” costs. NIH grants support research at institutions across the country, including in Arkansas where researchers received nearly $109 million in NIH grants in federal fiscal year 2024.
The new policy has been challenged in court, and a federal judge on Wednesday granted a nationwide preliminary injunction that would block the cap from taking effect while three lawsuits advance.
Sen. Clarke Tucker, a Little Rock Democrat and guest speaker at Friday’s rally, said he was diagnosed with cancer more than seven years ago, “and if it weren’t for science, I would not be standing here right now today.”
Tucker said he believes in scientists and supports the work that they conduct, not to get rich but in service of others.
“Scientists go into science to further the cause of humanity…and that’s why I want to thank scientists from the bottom of my heart for the work that you do,” he said. “It’s the most selfless work, the most selfless career path that you can take. It’s a service career path to serve humanity at large.”
Liz Adams of Maumelle said advances in science have helped address some of her health issues. Thirty-nine years ago the use of the then nascent technology of a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine helped a doctor diagnose her multiple sclerosis (MS).
After being diagnosed at 33 years old, Adams said she worked full-time until last year when she retired at the age of 71. She’s now focused on visiting every Major League Baseball park and becoming “the oldest MS patient with a sense of humor and a zest for adventure.”
Adams hopes to be more restful as she pursues her goal thanks to another “innovative invention” that provided her with a solution for her severe obstructive sleep apnea and hypoxia. An Inspire device was implanted into her chest and lower jaw three months ago to help her sleep through the night.
“I’m here today because of pure science, dedicated research, human curiosity and generous funding from different government entities as well as the private sector,” she said.
Rallies and protests against federal policies have been popping up across the country in recent weeks. Another such event, The People’s March, is scheduled for Saturday in Little Rock.
Organizer Courtney Maxwell told rallygoers Friday that tomorrow’s event will begin at 10 a.m. outside the Arkansas Capitol and end with a march to the River Market.
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