Science is a pillar of democracy when it serves the people. The Stand Up for Science Foundation works to protect scientific integrity in our public institutions, strengthen accountability, and ensure that evidence-based science drives policies that serve the people.

We turn these goals into action by exposing threats to scientific independence, bringing together federal scientists, advocacy organizations, and policymakers to develop bold solutions, and championing reforms that safeguard our public institutions from corporate and ideological capture.

Our vision is a future in which science serves the public good. Let’s build it together.

About Us

Our Story

Stand Up for Science as a grassroots advocacy organization emerged at the height of the Trump administration’s attack on science in 2025. During a period when federal science agencies faced targeted grant terminations, workforce eliminations, and the installation of ideologically driven leadership, Stand Up for Science rose as a clear voice defending scientific integrity— not only for future scientists whose careers were at risk, but also for the broader scientific community. 

In just one year, Stand Up for Science has turned a national protest into a national movement, rallying thousands of scientists and supporters across the country, launched chapters in multiple states, and mobilized citizens to defend science and democracy in the public square.

Today, the Stand Up for Science Foundation serves as an extension of this science-activist grassroots movement and carries the momentum forward. We are a team of scientists, policy experts, and volunteers united by the motivation to translate grassroots energy into strategic action. Our team work directly with champions of science in Congress, building coalitions across the scientific community, and advance policies that protect scientific integrity and ensure science serves the public good. Read more on how it all started.

Meet the Team

  • Colette Delawalla, PhD

    FOUNDER, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

  • Stephen King

    CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

  • Cole Donovan

    DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY

  • Irene Ngun

    ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY

  • Brynn Paulsen, PhD

    DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH

  • Brian Lovett, PhD

    CHIEF DATA OFFICER

  • Vincent Vertuccio

    DIRECTOR OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS

What We Do

Over the the past year, scientific integrity and public trust in science have eroded significantly. America’s global leadership in research has been weakened, thousands of promising studies halted, and an entire generation of scientists have seen their futures put on hold. The damage to our communities, our economy, and our democracy is real and it will take years to repair.

Yet we remain hopeful.

We believe that determined collective action can turn the tide and restore science as a trusted, independent pillar of our democracy— one that serves all people.

Our team of policy experts, scientists, and volunteers works to translate grassroots energy into strategic action. We pull every available policy lever to protect scientific integrity and ensure science serves the public good. Our work cuts across the following core areas:

Empowering science champions in Congress.We serve as a trusted resource to Members of Congress by connecting them directly with federal scientists, researchers, and the broader scientific community. Drawing on our network of former civil servants and scientists who have witnessed the damage firsthand, we deliver timely and actionable insights that empower science champions to defend and restore the integrity of our public institutions.

Building public support and coalitions. We activate our national network and forge broad coalitions because lasting change requires collective action. We collaborate with, support, and amplify allied organizations across the science community to generate public awareness and momentum around critical science policy issues.

Research and policy analysis: Through our policy team and the SUFS lab, we produce independent, original research and analysis that clearly identifies problems and offers bold solutions. These resources equip policymakers, the media, and our supporters with credible evidence to drive change.

Ensuring accountability: Real reform demands transparency and oversight. We monitor government actions, track attempts to politicize or dismantle scientific integrity, and respond swiftly. Working with whistleblowers and leveraging public records requests, we expose interference and hold decision-makers accountable.

If you’re interested in working with us, partnering, or want to learn more about our work, reach out to us!