Restoring Gold Standard Science

• Background Concerns:

  • Trust in scientists has significantly declined over the past five years.
  • Majority of researchers perceive a reproducibility crisis in science, exacerbated by data falsification from leading researchers.
  • The Federal Government has contributed to this issue through misleading use of scientific information.

• Examples of Misleading Scientific Practices:

  • CDC Guidance on Schools: Issued guidelines that discouraged in-person learning despite evidence supporting safer school openings.
  • National Marine Fisheries Service: Adopted incorrect and extreme assumptions regarding North Atlantic right whale population impacting the lobster fishery.
  • RCP 8.5 Usage: Agencies relied on an unrealistic worst-case climate change scenario, misleading public understanding of risks.

• Commitment to Scientific Integrity:

  • The current Administration aims to restore confidence in science through rigorous and transparent methodologies.
  • Emphasis on reproducibility, unbiased peer review, and transparent communication of scientific data.

• Definition of Key Terms:

  • Employee: Defined as per 5 U.S.C. 2105.
  • Scientific Information: Encompasses all factual data and analyses across various scientific disciplines.
  • Scientific Misconduct: Involves fabrication, falsification, or plagiarism in research.

• Implementation of "Gold Standard Science":

  • Agencies must develop policies to follow established principles such as transparency, collaboration, and rigorous peer review.
  • Specific guidance from the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to be issued within 30 days.

• Mandatory Rules for Agencies:

  • Prohibition of scientific misconduct and reliance on tainted information.
  • Agencies required to make significant scientific data publicly available, acknowledging uncertainties in analyses.
  • Transparency about assumptions and adherence to quality standards in scientific evaluation.

• Agency Policy Review:

  • Agencies must reassess and update scientific integrity policies to conform with the new standards.
  • Emphasis on open exchanges of ideas and protecting dissenting viewpoints.

• Enforcement and Compliance:

  • Each agency must establish processes for addressing violations of scientific integrity policies.
  • Heads may request waivers for certain requirements for good cause.

• Exclusions and Limitations:

  • The order does not supersede applicable laws or alter the authority of agency heads.
  • No new enforceable rights are created for individuals against the government.

This executive order aims to strengthen scientific integrity within federal agencies, restore public confidence, and ensure that scientific information guides decision-making effectively and transparently.