Thousands of people turn out around the world for the March for Science — here are the photos

Scientists and their supporters are taking to the streets in more than 400 cities and towns around the world on April 22 — Earth Day — to voice their support for the value of scientific inquiry.

The March for Science is expected to draw tens of thousands at its main event on Washington DC’s National Mall. The day started with teach-ins and a rally, and the march will proceed from the Washington Monument grounds to Union Square at 2 p.m. Satellite marches are taking place throughout the day in cities like New York City, London, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Sao Paulo.

The stated goals of the march are to affirm science as a crucial part of a strong democracy, show support for the scientific community, and highlight the value of fact-based inquiry and policy-making. Organizers say the march is not a partisan event, but a large-scale organized action like this is by nature somewhat political — a reality that led some in the scientific community to distance themselves from the event.

Here’s what the marches look like around the world:

In Berlin, demonstrators marched from one of the city's universities to the Brandenburg Gate, according to the AP.

Germany’s foreign minister, Sigmar Gabriel, endorsed the March for Science events across the country.

German protestors also gathered in Munich.

Other European cities held marches as well, including Madrid, Spain ...

... And Stockholm, Sweden.

12 cities in Australia also held satellite demonstrations, with one of the country's largest in Sydney.

The route of Sydney's march passed by the Library of New South Wales and the state's Parliament House.

At the main march in Washington DC, demonstrators braved mist and rain to attend the morning rally.

Many large scientific organizations, including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Union of Concerned Scientists (some of whose members are shown below) partnered with the march.

In New York City, thousands of marchers walked down the west side of Central Park.

Many raised their voices outside the Trump International Hotel and Tower.

Critics of the marches highlighted the danger of aligning the scientific community against a particular administration or political party, since doing so could further politicize scientific issues.

And in New York, some demonstrators certainly got political.

But many felt it was necessary to stand up for science in the face of a presidential administration that has shown a tendency to ignore scientific consensus. (President Trump and EPA administrator Scott Pruitt have both cast doubt on humans are not the primary cause of climate change)

Some protestors also voiced their opposition to the substantial cuts President Trump has proposed to federal agencies that conduct scientific research.

Demonstrators also sought to emphasize the impact that other parts of the Trump administration's agenda could have on science.

And, of course, since scientists have a reputation for being nerdy, there were no shortage of witty signs.

This is a developing story. Business Insider will continue to update it throughout the day.

Thousands of people turn out around the world for the March for Science — here are the photos

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