The American Association for the Advancement of Science announced Thursday it has partnered with organizers of the upcoming March for Science protest to encourage "the use of scientific evidence to inform policy."

Modeled after the Women's March in January, the March for Science originated as a social media movement to protest President Donald Trump's science policies. The organizers have since struck a more bipartisan tone, instead emphasizing the theme as "the very real role that science plays in each of our lives," according to its website. http://bit.ly/2lKRUhb

Scientists and science groups are divided about whether to support the march, which will take place in Washington, D.C., and cities across the world. The event will likely draw many anti-Trump protesters and some view the selection of April 22—Earth Day—as an overtly political statement. AAAS had been on the fence, but in a statement on the group's website, CEO Rush Holt said his group will work with the event's organizers to make it a success.

"We see the activities collectively known as the March as a unique opportunity to communicate the importance, value and beauty of science," Holt said. "Participation in the March for Science is in keeping with AAAS' long-standing mission to ‘advance science, engineering and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people.'"

Other science organizations that have partnered with the march include the American Anthropological Association, American Association of University Professors, American Geophysical Union and Entomological Society of America. http://bit.ly/2mclIo2

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