On Jan. 12, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) released a framework for strengthening federal scientific integrity policy and practice, a guidance document produced by a National Science and Technology Council (NSTC) working group.
The framework expands on a 2022 report on protecting the integrity of government science to include: a consistent definition of scientific integrity, a model policy to guide agencies as they develop their own scientific integrity policies, and tools to help agencies in evaluating the effectiveness of their efforts. A subcommittee of the NSTC has also been established to oversee agency progress in implementing the framework.
The report and framework are part of a dedicated effort from the OSTP, launched with a memo in 2021, on restoring trust in government through scientific integrity. In response to that memo and a request for information on recommended policies and practices, the AAMC previously sent a joint letter to the OSTP which emphasized the importance of building public trust in science through clear communication by federal agencies and streamlined policies across the government that promote and protect a rigorous scientific research enterprise [refer to Washington Highlights, July 30, 2021].