OSTP Seeks Information on Improving Federal Scientific Integrity

Last week, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a Request for Information (RFI) to Improve Federal Scientific Integrity Policies aimed at enhancing public trust in science. The RFI is part of an effort to meet priorities outlined in President Biden’s January 27 “Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking,” which directs OSTP convene a Task Force to review current policies and recommend changes that encourage the development of sound policy governing federal science and technology programs.
 
The Memorandum released by the Biden administration on January 27 reaffirms and builds on a 2009 Presidential Memorandum as well as a 2010 Memorandum from the OSTP Director, referred to as “Scientific Integrity” collectively. Together, these memoranda specify elements that scientific integrity policies should address. As part of the current administration’s efforts to improve the effectiveness of Scientific Integrity policies, OSTP is asking for information about:

1. The effectiveness of Federal scientific integrity policies and needed areas of improvement.
2. Good practices Federal agencies could adopt to improve scientific integrity, including in the communication of scientific information, addressing emerging technologies and evolving scientific practices, supporting professional development of Federal scientists, and promoting transparency in the implementation of agency scientific integrity policies.
3. Other topics or concerns that Federal scientific integrity policies should address. 

OSTP is encouraging stakeholders representing all backgrounds and perspectives with an interest in scientific integrity to respond to ScientificIntegrityRFI@ostp.eop.gov by July 28, 2021.