Biologists Commend NOAA's New Scientific Integrity Policy

Policy responds to issues raised by AIBS The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has issued a policy that will promote and protect scientific integrity within the agency. The new policy has been well received by members of the scientific community. “NOAA’s comprehensive scientific integrity policy should provide a strong foundation for public trust in the agency’s science,” said American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) President Dr. James P. Collins. “Other federal agencies should look to NOAA’s policy as a model.” The policy outlines goals for facilitating the free flow of scientific information, documenting the scientific knowledge considered in decision making, using information that has been independently peer reviewed, and hiring scientists based on the candidate’s credentials and integrity. Also included in the final policy are codes of conduct for scientists and supervisors. Notably, the agency’s scientific integrity policy applies to all employees and contractors who directly engage in or supervise research, analyze or communicate scientific findings, or make decisions using science. AIBS previously expressed strong support for application of the policy to all employees, both career and political, involved in NOAA science. “NOAA should be commended for engaging in such an open process,” Collins said. “Public input and participation helped to improve the draft policy...
Source: ActionBioscience - Category: Biology Authors: Source Type: news