Scientific Integrity

This March 9, 2009 memorandum directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop within 120 days recommendations for ensuring scientific integrity across the executive branch. It establishes principles that political officials should not suppress scientific findings, that scientific information should ordinarily be public, and that science positions should be filled based on credentials rather than politics.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 10671

Impact dates

Jul 7, 2009
Director shall develop recommendations for Presidential action to guarantee scientific integrity throughout executive branch

Key directives

Director of OSTP to develop recommendations for Presidential action within 120 days
Recommendations must address selection/retention of science/technology candidates based on knowledge, credentials, experience, and integrity
Each agency must establish rules/procedures to ensure integrity of scientific process
Scientific information in policy decisions must be subject to well-established scientific processes including peer review where appropriate
Agencies must make scientific findings publicly available except where restricted by law
Agencies must establish procedures to identify and address compromised scientific integrity
Agencies must adopt whistleblower protections as needed
Agencies must provide information requested by Director for recommendations
Agencies must coordinate with Director on interim procedures pending recommendations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Director of OSTP assigned responsibility for ensuring scientific integrity
agencies directed to provide information to Director and coordinate on interim procedures

Near term (90d)

Director must develop recommendations for Presidential action within 120 days
agencies must coordinate on interim procedures pending recommendations

Long term

potential implementation of agency-specific rules for scientific integrity
establishment of whistleblower protections
changes to hiring practices for science/technology positions

Risks & tensions

Memorandum explicitly disclaims creating enforceable rights, potentially weakening compliance incentives
Scope limited 'to the extent permitted by law' and existing statutory/regulatory authorities
Vague on enforcement mechanisms for agencies that resist implementation
Interim procedures coordination may create tension with agencies protective of autonomy