Latest news with #PhiladelphiaScienceAction
Technical.ly
4 days ago
- Business
- Technical.ly
‘In no world' can state funding replace Trump science research cuts, Philly reps say
As federal research dollars remain in limbo, Pennsylvania lawmakers say it will take more than state government to keep Philly's innovation economy alive. In Pennsylvania, federal funding for scientific programs fuels innovation and economic growth. As the Trump administration continues to revoke funding for research, STEM education and other innovation grants, Pennsylvania state Reps. Mary Isaacson, Christopher Rabb and Tarik Khan gathered at a Science Town Hall hosted last week by Philadelphia Science Action to explain their plans to keep the ecosystem funded in Philadelphia. Their answers call on stakeholders well beyond the 253 members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, including the universities and established startups. The level of collaboration between government, academia and business that made Philly the city of ' eds and meds ' is also what's needed for the industry to get through the current turmoil, the representatives said at the event hosted by Philadelphia Science Action at the Science History Institute. 'If you're part of this legal system, this industry, eds and meds and doing all these things, and you feel insulated because you were able to raise a ton of money through venture capital,' Rabb warned, 'those days are over.' Less money to support research and education means fewer budding scientists coming to Philly to skill up and, eventually, join the talent market. It's also causing more established local workers to change careers, according to Khan, who said there's only so much the General Assembly can do about it. 'There are things we can do on a state level, but let's be honest,' Khan said, 'the money that is being taken away, in no world can our state dollars make up for that.' Why research funding doesn't float to the top Many of the challenges the Trump administration has posed around federal grants can only be settled in the courts. Both Gov. Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania universities have sued over the funding issues, and representatives at the town hall said constituents should pay attention to local judicial races to have their voices heard on the topics. 'It doesn't mean that we're not trying to do things to assist where we can,' Rep. Isaacson said, pointing out that state-level electeds can't, for example, intervene in immigration law largely controlled by the federal government. With very narrow Democratic control of the Pennsylvania House, the representatives also say they have to pick their battles — and science funding usually does not make it to the top of the list. 'Our first and firstmost has to be taking care of those who have nothing,' Isaacson said, referencing people who 'depend on food stamps, SNAP, Medicaid, Medicare.' On top of calling on the private sector to look beyond their own institutions to support the ecosystem at large, Rabb also said several academic institutions in Pennsylvania have their own access to cash that could make up for some cuts — which would help avoid dipping into state funds. Pennsylvania universities raked in hundreds of millions in investment returns on their endowment funds in 2024. The University of Pennsylvania, for example, is sitting on one of the largest endowments in the US at $22.3 billion. Yet it has instructed faculty to halt work on projects funded by $175 million in federal research grants. Rabb described his view of the situation in characteristically blunt fashion. 'What's the point of having 'fuck-you money' if you don't say fuck you?' Rabb said. 'These universities have endowments. Use them with moral courage when you need the most.'
Technical.ly
27-05-2025
- Politics
- Technical.ly
Fight for the future: Science Town Hall gives Philadelphians a chance to question elected officials on budget cuts
This is a guest post by Marion Leary and Amanda Rabinowitz, co-organizers with Philadelphia Science Action (PSA), an organization that works to promote science and scientific thinking for the advancement of society. is a media partner for PSA's town hall on May 29, where people are invited to discuss firsthand with elected officials their plans specific to science and climate change. The future of scientific inquiry and academic freedom is in jeopardy. For the past four months, the scientific community has watched as the Trump administration continues its assault on science and higher education. Trump and his team decimate years of life-saving research through mass layoffs and abrupt funding cuts — interrupting progress and halting discoveries on the verge of a breakthrough. In Philadelphia, we have seen universities targeted, ostensibly for their diversity, equity and inclusion programs, and many researchers and federal employees have lost grants and jobs. Even greater losses are expected if Congress approves the sweeping science cuts outlined in Trump's proposed budget, now under consideration. This is a moment of urgent action. Protests and rallies are important, but they are not enough. We need our federal and state elected officials to hear from you, their constituents, about how the Trump administration's anti-science policies are affecting your lives — and livelihoods. Equally as important, we need them to tell us firsthand how they plan to stand up to the Trump administration and protect the scientific community in Philadelphia. We are the group that brought 20,000 people together for the March for Science in 2017 under the first Trump administration and put on the Stand Up for Science rally earlier this year. Like many in the Philadelphia area, our work at Philadelphia Science Action (PSA) and lives have flourished because of the vibrant science and higher education community. Philadelphia is known for its 'eds and meds', a city home to academic institutions, health system, and biotech companies. All are crucial to a thriving economy in the Philadelphia region, as there are over 1,200 life sciences companies, close to 40 hospitals and health systems, and over 100 colleges and academic universities. Our livelihood, progress and innovative spirit depend on the health and science sectors thriving. Which is why our organization, Philadelphia Science Action (PSA), is hosting a Science Town Hall with our Pennsylvania elected officials. PSA's mission is 'to promote science and scientific thinking for the advancement of society, and to champion evidence-based thinking and political dialogue.' We are the group that brought 20,000 people together for the March for Science in 2017 under the first Trump administration and put on the Stand Up for Science rally earlier this year. We are demanding that our elected representatives take up the challenge of defending science in Greater Philadelphia by bringing the conversation to them. In partnership with the Science History Institute, Skype A Scientist and Start Talking Science, we are hosting a Science Town Hall at the Science History Institute from 6 to 8 pm on May 29. Make your voice heard by speaking directly to your representatives As our congressional representatives consider Trump's proposed budget — the blueprint for enacting his domestic agenda — they must recognize the grave consequences of allowing science and innovation to be gutted. Thus far, Congress has failed to adequately protect our region, confirming cabinet appointees and placing our nation's health and future in the hands of those openly hostile to the public sector. Equally urgent is the responsibility of our state and local leaders to step up and strengthen support for science, research and innovation here at home. As national leaders in research and innovation, Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania should be at the forefront of efforts to protect the freedom and sustainability of American science and higher education — not only because our region's economic strength and cultural vitality depend on it, but because we have long stood at the vanguard of advancing the public good through science. That's why it's so important for the Philadelphia community to show up, speak out and get the answers they deserve. The Science Town Hall will provide an opportunity for scientists, researchers, students, educators, clinicians, entrepreneurs and the community direct access to the elected officials who represent them. Attendees will have an open forum to voice concerns, ask questions and discuss with policymakers how they are supporting the Philadelphia scientific community. This is our chance to help shape the future of science, technology, engineering/education, math/medicine in Philadelphia and to influence the policies needed to protect our scientific community.
