🟦 Science, Research & Public Policy
A ranked guide to organizations defending science and evidence in public decision-making
In a time when science is too often politicized or ignored, these advocacy organizations champion the role of evidence, discovery, and innovation in shaping public policy. They support trustworthy research, equitable funding, and transparent regulation in areas such as climate change, public health, space, energy, food, and technology.
Many of these groups offer action alerts, petitions, webinars, fact sheets, public education tools, and grassroots campaigns for civic engagement.
About These Advocacy Group Guides: I’ve created more than 60 issue advocacy guides to help people connect with effective organizations and take meaningful action. If you’re interested in other issues, you can explore them all here: Advocacy Groups by Issue.
Combines rigorous science with advocacy to address climate, energy, nuclear safety, and food/agriculture issues. A leader in science-based policy reform.
AAAS (American Association for the Advancement of Science)
The world’s largest general scientific society, advancing science and defending the use of evidence in policymaking. Publishes Science magazine and promotes science diplomacy.
National Science Policy Network (NSPN)
A dynamic network of early-career scientists and policy advocates working to integrate science into democratic processes. Offers fellowships, campaigns, and training in civic engagement.
A grassroots organization that promotes equity and inclusivity in science, connecting women and marginalized voices with advocacy and policy opportunities.
Center for Science in the Public Interest
A consumer advocacy group focused on nutrition, food safety, and public health, backed by independent scientific research.
Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER)
Protects the rights of government scientists and whistleblowers, defending environmental and public health research from political interference.
Environmental Data & Governance Initiative (EDGI)
Formed during the Trump era, EDGI monitors government science websites, preserves environmental data, and fights for transparency and accountability in federal science policy.
Advocates for strong federal funding of biomedical and health research, including support for the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mobilizes public and policymaker backing.
Supports science-based regulation of chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and public health policy, including hormone disruptors and reproductive health.
Promotes space science, planetary exploration, and astronomy as public goods. Engages activists in advocating for NASA and global science cooperation.
Top Issues in Science & Public Policy
Climate and Environmental Science: Use of evidence-based research to shape climate adaptation, emissions policy, clean energy innovation, and environmental protection.
Public Health & Biomedical Research: Federal support for vaccines, infectious disease research, mental health, reproductive health, and access to science-based care.
Food, Agriculture & Nutrition: Ensuring food safety, addressing industry influence, promoting sustainable agriculture, and combating misinformation about health.
Government Science Funding: Advocacy for stable, transparent funding of science agencies (NIH, NOAA, EPA, etc.) and the protection of scientific integrity.
Space Exploration & Planetary Science: Support for NASA, space missions, and global cooperation in astronomy and planetary protection.
STEM Equity & Inclusion: Promoting access to education and careers in science for women, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and underrepresented groups.
Science Communication & Misinformation: Combating pseudoscience and conspiracy theories while empowering scientists to communicate clearly to the public.
Whistleblower & Scientific Integrity Protections: Defending scientists facing political or corporate suppression, especially in government agencies.
Chemical Safety & Endocrine Disruption: Advocating for the regulation of toxic chemicals and protecting public health from corporate influence.
Youth & Civic Science Engagement: Supporting young scientists and students in public service, research-to-policy efforts, and grassroots science advocacy.