The order required agencies to assess whether their policies adequately prevent political interference in the conduct of research or the presentation of findings. Image: Lightspring/Shutterstock.com
By: FEDweek StaffOf 28 federal agencies with scientific integrity policies, 19 have issued new or revised versions under a 2021 executive order reemphasizing and expanding on integrity policies for government science, the White House has said.
“These agency plans reflect a whole-of-government commitment to safeguarding science against inappropriate interference, including preventing political interference in the conduct, management, communication, and use of science,” a posting from the Office of Science and Technology Policy says.
The order “made clear that scientific findings should never be distorted or influenced by political considerations and that improper political interference in federal scientists’ work undermines the welfare of the nation and violates public trust,” it says.
The order required agencies to assess whether their policies adequately prevent political interference in the conduct of research or the presentation of findings, to conduct internal reviews of compliance, and to revise and update their policies as necessary. It also told them to educate their employees who perform scientific activities on their rights and responsibilities, including through training of new employees.
The other nine agencies “have OSTP-approved policies that are still undergoing review and approval within their agencies,” says the status report.
The OSTP previously had issued several reports and guidance documents under the order and set up a web page compiling current agency policies.
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