National Science Appreciation Day Date in the current year: March 26, 2026

National Science Appreciation Day is an initiative of the Center for Inquiry (CFI), a nonprofit advocacy group that promotes public understanding of science, works to mitigate belief in the paranormal and pseudoscience, and fights the influence of religion in government. In 2022, the CFI launched ScienceSaves, a nationwide awareness campaign that aims to increase appreciation for the role of science in our lives by sharing stories of how science helps humanity save and improve lives.

National Science Appreciation Day is observed as part of the ScienceSaves campaign. Celebrated on March 26, it commemorates the day in 1953 when Dr. Jonas Salk announced the successful testing of the world’s first effective polio vaccine on a small group of adults and children. The vaccine was licensed two years later, after which children’s vaccination campaigns were launched across the U.S.

Polio (poliomyelitis) is a highly infectious disease for which there is no treatment. While most cases are asymptomatic or mild, up to 0.5% of patients develop permanent paralysis. This made polio a major health concern in the mid-20th century, when polio epidemics were common around the globe during the summer months. The development of the polio vaccine was a major breakthrough that has prevented millions of cases of paralysis since immunization began. Thanks to vaccination campaigns, polio is very close to being eradicated.

National Science Appreciation Day reminds us of the importance of Salk’s invention and the many other scientific breakthroughs that have significantly improved our safety and comfort. The day also emphasizes the importance of combating pseudoscience and misinformation by promoting critical thinking.

According to ScienceSaves, the three pillars of National Science Appreciation Day are:

• Gratitude: Thanking scientists for providing us with a safe, modern lifestyle.
• Truth: Developing critical thinking skills to identify and debunk misinformation.
• Hope: Believing in a better tomorrow made possible by modern scientific advances.

There are many ways to participate in National Science Appreciation Day. You can share how science has helped you or a loved one on social media using the hashtags #ScienceSaves and #ScienceAppreciationDay; read a book or watch a documentary about significant scientific achievements; visit a museum or science center; attend a science fair; donate to a nonprofit science communication.

You can also reach out to your state government and ask them to officially proclaim March 26 as National Science Day. As of 2025, the following states had issued official proclamations: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Texas, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.