Young Scientists Launch Group to Fight Health Misinformation

When a handful of early career researchers organized protests a year ago, they didn't know they were building something bigger. Today, Stand Up For Science has transformed from a single day of demonstrations into a strategic organization fighting health misinformation on multiple fronts.

The group started in March 2025 when young scientists rallied in dozens of cities against policies disrupting research labs and public health agencies. While those initial protests didn't stop federal cuts, they planted seeds for something more lasting.

Colette Delawalla, a PhD candidate at Emory University who now leads the organization, saw a gap that needed filling. "The scientific ecosystem is really, really good at insider baseball," she explains, "but it's absolutely lacking on anything direct action, or anything with strategic communications."

The organization has adopted an unconventional approach for the typically reserved scientific community. They've published letters from concerned federal scientists, worked with lawmakers on oversight efforts, and even investigated questionable vaccine trials overseas.

Their strategy focuses on meeting people where they actually are. That means showing up on food Instagram pages, sports forums, and parent discussion groups rather than just academic conferences and policy briefings.

The group tracks anti-science movements closely, attending their meetings and reading their communications to understand and counter their messaging. This responsive approach helps them address misinformation as it spreads through non-traditional channels.

The Ripple Effect

The organization's influence extends beyond traditional advocacy. They've created a parallel nonprofit called Science for Good focused specifically on building public trust in research and evidence-based medicine.

Their tactics sometimes raise eyebrows among established science groups. The nonprofit hasn't received funding from major scientific societies, maintaining its independent grassroots identity.

For Delawalla, leading this movement meant abandoning her original dream of becoming a tenured professor. But watching how effectively organized the opposition was convinced her the scientific community needed its own comprehensive strategy.

The group is preparing for its second annual day of action with events planned in 53 locations. This time, they're not just protesting but building lasting infrastructure to combat health misinformation wherever it appears.

Their presence on social media and in everyday conversations represents a new model for science communication. Instead of waiting for the public to come to scientists, they're taking evidence-based information directly to people's feeds and communities.

The young researchers behind Stand Up For Science believe stopping misinformation requires everyone "pulling every lever" available, and they're determined to reach the levers scientists have historically overlooked.