The document is a joint response by several leading scientific and higher education associations—including the AAAS, AAMC, AAU, APLU, and COGR—to the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy’s request for input on improving federal scientific integrity policies. The associations express strong support for recent federal initiatives to formalize scientific integrity, citing the critical need to restore and maintain public trust in science amid growing skepticism and challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic and climate change. They emphasize that merely having scientific integrity policies is insufficient; these policies must be effectively implemented, regularly evaluated for measurable impact, and robust enough to shield scientific processes from political interference, as illustrated by concerns over past EPA rulemaking efforts.
The associations recommend that federal agencies enhance scientific communication by involving scientists directly in public outreach, leveraging educational resources, and employing diverse communication channels—including social media and accessible web platforms—to reach broader audiences. They highlight the importance of transparency in both the processes and outcomes of scientific work, ensuring the public understands research oversight mechanisms and the evolving nature of scientific knowledge. The document also calls for equitable and consistent application of scientific integrity policies, especially as the research landscape grows more interdisciplinary and diverse. Additionally, the associations urge consistent and ongoing training for federal scientific staff, drawing on best practices from academic institutions, and advocate for increased transparency when addressing integrity violations. Overall, they stress that building public trust requires consistent policy application, active stakeholder engagement, and clear communication about the government’s role in funding and applying scientific research, with a commitment to inclusion and community involvement at every stage.
