Stand Up for Science plans empty-chair town hall in Dayton

Stand Up for Science will host an empty-chair town hall in Dayton on Sept. 2 for Ohio’s 10th Congressional District, giving science advocates and constituents a chance to raise concerns in Rep. Mike Turner’s district. The event is open to the public and press, and Turner has been invited but has not confirmed he will attend.

Why it matters: - The event gives constituents in OH-10 a public forum to raise concerns about science policy and federal funding. - The empty-chair format underscores frustration over the lack of town halls in the district. - The town hall is aimed at connecting local science advocates with the congressional office that represents them.

What happened: - Stand Up for Science will host an empty-chair town hall in Dayton, Ohio, on Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026, at 6:30 p.m. Eastern. - The event is for Ohio’s 10th Congressional District. - Dr. Colette Delawalla, CEO and founder of Stand Up for Science, will host the town hall. - The organization extended an invitation to Rep. Mike Turner, but Turner has not confirmed attendance. - The town hall is open to the public and to members of the press.

The details: - The in-person event is designed to bring together area science advocates and constituents. - Attendees will have an opportunity to share concerns and questions. - Registration details are available through the event invitation labeled "Register to attend here." - Stand Up for Science describes itself as a grassroots, Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit focused on science and democracy. - The group formed in February 2025 in response to actions affecting federal science agencies and funding for the American scientific ecosystem. - On March 7, Stand Up for Science mobilized more than 50,000 people across 170-plus events worldwide for its first National Day of Action. - Federal scientists at multiple agencies, including NIH, EPA, NASA and FEMA, have used Stand Up for Science as a platform for open letters of concern. - Stand Up for Science is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, and donations are not tax-deductible.

Between the lines: - Delawalla framed the event as a response to what she described as a long gap in town halls during congressional recess. - The empty-chair setup signals an effort to keep public pressure on Turner even without a confirmed appearance. - The focus on science advocates suggests the event is meant to turn broader concerns about federal science policy into district-level political engagement.

What’s next: - Stand Up for Science will proceed with the Sept. 2 town hall in Dayton. - The organization is waiting to see whether Turner will attend or remain absent. - Constituents and reporters can use the event to surface questions before the district’s next public-facing congressional moment.

The bottom line: - Stand Up for Science is using an empty-chair town hall to spotlight science concerns in OH-10 and pressure Rep. Mike Turner to engage publicly.