National Science Appreciation Day

National Science Appreciation Day
Official nameNational Science Appreciation Day
Observed byUnited States
TypeNational
SignificanceCommemorates the first successful clinical trials of first polio vaccine
ObservancesCelebration of scientific achievements, science awareness
Date26 March
FrequencyAnnual
First timeMarch 26, 2022
Started byScienceSaves

National Science Appreciation Day is celebrated in the United States on March 26 of each year. It celebrates how science has benefited human outcomes, unleashed human potential, and transformed quality of life.

History

[edit]

National Science Appreciation Day has been established by the Center for Inquiry's ScienceSaves campaign in 2022.[1] As of 2023, ten States had adopted official proclamations recognizing the commemoration: Arizona, Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as District of Columbia.[2][3]

The date has been chosen to commemorate the 1953 announcement by Jonas Salk of the first successful clinical trials of first polio vaccine.[4]

Activities

[edit]

On March 26, the public is invited to share stories of how scientific advances have improved or saved lives. Suggested activities include:

  • Celebrate scientific achievements
  • Give thanks to workers in every field of science and medicine
  • Raise awareness of the importance of critical thinking
  • Lobby for science in public policy[2]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "National Science Appreciation Day". Days of the Year. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  2. ^ a b "National Science Appreciation Day". ScienceSaves. 27 April 2023. Archived from the original on 12 October 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  3. ^ Fidalgo, Paul (16 March 2022). "Ten States Plus D.C. Are First to Issue National Science Appreciation Day Proclamations". Center for Inquiry. Archived from the original on 28 November 2023. Retrieved 28 November 2023.
  4. ^ Vazquez, Bertha (24 October 2023). "Setting aside a day to appreciate what science has done for us". Archived from the original on 29 October 2023. Retrieved 27 November 2023.