Stand Up for Science to unveil accountability agenda after election results

Stand Up for Science will host a virtual Election Debrief tonight to mark the midterm outcome and outline next steps for civic engagement and science policy accountability. The event will preview a new report chapter focused on oversight tools Congress can use to respond to disruptions to the U.S. scientific ecosystem.

Why it matters: - Stand Up for Science is using the election moment to push for accountability measures aimed at restoring the U.S. scientific ecosystem. - The group says Congress already has tools to oversee and punish efforts that defund research or undermine scientific integrity. - The agenda could shape how science advocates press lawmakers now that Democrats control both chambers.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science is hosting a virtual Election Debrief rally tonight, Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026, at 7 p.m. Eastern. - The event will celebrate the science community’s role in the election and outline next steps for continued civic engagement. - The event is virtual, open to the public and open to members of the press. - Registration is available here. - Live ASL interpretation and closed captioning will be available.

The details: - The rally will include a preview of the next chapter of the SUFS Foundation’s Forging the Future of Science and Democracy report. - That chapter lays out an accountability agenda for oversight and consequences intended to deter future disruptions to the scientific ecosystem. - Speakers include Dr. Colette Delawalla, founder and executive director of Stand Up for Science, and Vincent Vertuccio, director of SUFS Government Relations. - Delawalla is available for comment and media appearances. - Delawalla said the public wants accountability for the past two years of scientific disruptions. - Delawalla said Congress can use existing oversight tools and processes to hold people accountable for defunding research and undermining scientific integrity.

Between the lines: - The event suggests Stand Up for Science wants to translate election energy into a pressure campaign on lawmakers. - The group is framing science policy as a democracy issue, not just a funding fight. - The focus on oversight signals a strategy built around congressional process rather than only public advocacy.

What's next: - Stand Up for Science plans to push lawmakers to use oversight and accountability tools outlined in the forthcoming report chapter. - The organization will continue its civic-engagement efforts around science and democracy. - The broader report rollout could become a roadmap for future advocacy on federal science policy. - Stand Up for Science Foundation says the new chapter is forthcoming, but no release date was given.