A clinical psychology doctoral student has founded an advocacy organization called Stand Up for Science following policy changes affecting federal research funding and scientific communication.

Colette Delawalla, 30, established the group after the Trump administration announced $4 billion in cuts to medical and scientific research funding. The administration also temporarily restricted government scientists from speaking at conferences or making public statements.

Delawalla, who is completing her dissertation on addiction research while raising a young child, said the policy changes conflicted with her planned career in scientific teaching and research. She had been working toward becoming a clinical psychologist with a focus on addiction studies.

The National Institutes of Health has reportedly begun reviewing grants that may conflict with presidential directives related to what the administration terms "gender ideology" and "diversity" initiatives. This review process has affected existing research funding allocations.

Stand Up for Science aims to advocate for continued federal support of medical and scientific research. The organization represents Delawalla's effort to mobilize opposition to what she views as restrictions on scientific inquiry and communication.

The group's formation reflects broader concerns within the scientific community about potential limitations on research funding and academic freedom under current federal policies.