OSTP Seeks Input on Development of Scientific Integrity Framework

By: Yvette Seger
Thursday, March 17, 2022
On March 3, the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued a 32-day Request for Information (RFI) seeking stakeholder input on framework to allow for continuous review and improvement of agency scientific integrity policies. This RFI represents the next step toward fulfilling the Presidential Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking, which was issued on January 27, 2021.

In 2021, much of the progress toward this memorandum focused on understanding the current state of agency scientific integrity policies and procedures, a summary of which was published in January 2022. With existing good agency practices identified, the current RFI seeks stakeholder input on necessary components for a trans-agency framework to evaluate and update federal scientific integrity processes. Specifically, the RFI requests feedback on evaluation criteria, strategies to ensure comprehensive and iterative assessment of scientific integrity policies and practices, and ways to maintain robust scientific integrity principles across agencies through leadership changes. Ways in which scientific integrity principles can be updated to address key issues such as diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility; new technologies; and citizen science are also of interest.

Stakeholders may submit comments electronically; include “SI RFI” in the subject line of the email. To be considered, comments must be received by 5 pm ET on April 4.