Inside Higher Ed has recently published a piece by Professor Sigrid Schmalzer titled, "Don't Just Defend Science, Mobilize it for the People."
In response to increased threats posed by the Trump administration and Republican dominance in Congress, scientists are becoming more vocal about the value of their research and are mobilizing for a nationwide March for Science on April 22nd.
But Schmalzer argues that professional advocacy is not enough. She calls attention to ongoing efforts to revitalize the Science for the People movement that flourished in this country during the 1970s and 1980s. Rather than defending an abstract understanding of "science" in general (including science that benefits military and corporate interests), these scientists are taking explicit stands of solidarity with at-risk communities and offering a bold vision for science in the service of the public interest.
Read Prof. Schmalzer's full article here: https://www.insidehighered.com/views/2017/03/14/importance-using-science-solve-social-problems-essay