AGU’s Days of Action: How Earth and Space Scientists Advocate for Science Policy

The American Geophysical Union (AGU) is more than white lab coats and pipettes—it’s a community of scientists, professors, and students who actively shape federal policy. Federal decisions directly impact science funding, research priorities, and society’s role in scientific progress. Each year, AGU’s Science Policy and Government Relations (SPGR) team organizes Congressional Visit Days to connect Earth and space scientists with elected officials.

As a member of AGU’s scientific publications team, I joined the April 21–22 Days of Action to learn about bills affecting our workforce, craft compelling advocacy messages, and urge officials to champion science. Growing up in Washington, D.C., I witnessed firsthand the power of science through institutions like NOAA, NASA, NIH, and USDA—agencies that foster knowledge and innovation. In my current role, I saw how budget cuts and shifting priorities impact these critical programs.

The event united 58 participants with one mission: to share personal stories tied to four pivotal bills:

• The RESEARCHER Act (H.R. 3054, S.1664): Addresses graduate student financial instability.
• KEEP STEM Talent Act (H.R. 2627, S.1233): Strengthens the U.S. scientific workforce by retaining international STEM graduates.
• Protect America’s Workforce Act (H.R.2550 passed House, S.2837): Restores collective bargaining rights for federal scientific workers.
• Scientific Integrity Act (H.R.1106): Safeguards scientific integrity in federal research and decision-making.

Two participants shared their advocacy experiences, highlighting the real-world impact of Earth and space sciences. Sheila Baber, an early career scientist from the University of Maryland, emphasized the need to re-engage with policymakers amid a deteriorating relationship between scientists and the public. She stated:

"It has been especially difficult to witness the deteriorating relationship between scientists, decision makers, and the public. This past year, with its rapidly changing federal landscape, has been a wakeup call to re-engage and remind the public of how science research gives back to the community."

Ryan Haupt, a long-time AGU member and