John Holdren, Assistant to the President for Science and Technology Releases Scientific Memorandum. (December 18, 2010)

The Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy, John Holdren yesterday released a four-page Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies -- Subject: Scientific Integrity.

In Professor Holdren's blog of December 17, 2010 he wrote in part: "The new memorandum describes the minimum standards expected as departments and agencies craft scientific integrity rules appropriate for their particular missions and cultures, including a clear prohibition on political interference in scientific processes and expanded assurances of transparency. It requires that department and agency heads report to me on their progress toward completing those rules within 120 days.

"I am confident that today’s Memorandum will help ensure that science and technology continue to be brought to bear by this Administration with the greatest effectiveness and integrity in the service of all of the national goals the President has so clearly articulated."

The memorandum lists the following principal goals:

• Political officials should not suppress or alter scientific or technological findings.

• Data used for policy decisions should "undergo independent peer review by qualified experts, where feasible and appropriate.

• Agencies should set clear standards for dealing with conflict of interest and adopt whistleblower protections.

• Agencies should expand and promote access to scientific information by making it available online.

• There should be principles for communicating science to the public, such as explaining uncertainties and describing the probabilities of best- and worst-case scenarios.

• Federal scientists can speak to the media and public about their research with appropriate coordination with their immediate supervisor and their public affairs office.

• Agencies should facilitate professional development of scientists, such as encouraging publication of results and presentations at meetings.

Francesca Grifo of the Union of Concerned Scientists in Cambridge, Massachusetts, welcomed the memo: "This is a rough but promising blueprint for honesty and accountability in the use of science in government decisions," while Al Teich, director of science policy at the American Association for the Advancement of Science tweeted: "They've talked the talk. We hope they'll walk the walk."