Several hundred scientists and supporters of science gathered outside the UK Treasury in London on Saturday afternoon to protest imminent cuts to government science funding – an unusual move by a community that rarely takes to the streets to voice its displeasure.

The protest was organised by the Campaign for Science and Engineering (CaSE) and Science is Vital, a campaign group started about a month ago by University College London postdoctoral researcher Jennifer Rohn in response to Business Secretary Vince Cable’s speech suggesting that around 45% of scientific research is not of a sufficiently high standard to justify funding it in these tough economic times. Rohn spoke to Nature earlier this week about their campaign.

Science funding is likely to be cut as part of the government’s comprehensive spending review, to be finalised some time in the next few weeks. All departments will be expected to absorb cuts of up to 25% over the next four years as the coalition looks to save £83 billion.

Evan Harris, who was Liberal Democrat science spokesman until he lost his seat at the last general election, led the proceedings which included short speeches by Colin Blakemore, the ex-head of the Medical Research Council, and science writers Simon Singh and Ben Goldacre, among others. Many of the protesters were sporting their lab coats and the atmosphere remained upbeat throughout, despite Harris’ attempts to get the crowd to join him in song.

The campaigners argue that scientific research represents a sound financial investment, and that cuts would decimate British science, driving a generation of scientists abroad and scaring off those who might have brought their expertise to the UK from other countries.

Their argument is compelling. As Blakemore says, many nations are increasing science funding as they look for ways to boost faltering economies. China, Germany, France, Sweden and the United States are all spending more on science despite the tough financial climate.

The organisers said around 2,000 people attended the rally, and more than 25,000 people have signed Science is Vital’s petition calling for science funding to be maintained, including many of the great and good of UK science.

Disclaimer: Nature is a supporter of Science is Vital.