The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Needs our Help!

I received the following information from Sciencedebate.org. Over the past several months, and again last week at his address to the National Academies of Science, President Obama pledged to restore scientific integrity to government. Of course, that is easier said than done. Apparently Obama recognizes this, and has asked for input from us, the concerned public.

On March 9, the president formally asked the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to make recommendations on how the executive branch can meet this pledge.

The OSTP has opened a public comment period regarding this directive, giving you the opportunity to share your thoughts on what the next steps should be.  Comments are due by Wednesday, May 13.

The OSTP is looking for recommendations on the six issues President Obama identified in his memo:

1. hiring and keeping qualified scientists
2. defining new policies to ensure integrity
3. using “well-established scientific processes” like peer review
4. disclosing scientific findings
5. ensuring that principles of scientific integrity are being adhered to
6. adopting additional policies like whistleblower protections

The OSTP is accepting comments via email and through their blog, here.

Their original request for input can be found here (pdf).

Many organizations in Washington will be giving their opinions of what the OSTP plan should entail.  We believe it is important for scientists and other science supporters to be included in that process, and for you to indicate to the White House how science and scientific integrity affect your work, your families, and your communities.

If you’re interested in more background information, visit the scientific integrity site of our friends at the Union of Concerned Scientists here.