| August 8, 2006 |  |
Acting FDA Director Pledges to Address Abuse of Science
UCS Proposes Principles of Scientific Openness
Washington, DC—The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) today briefed Acting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Andrew von Eschenbach on a recent survey detailing political inference in science at the agency. The survey of nearly 1,000 scientists paints a picture of a troubled agency: hundreds of scientists reported significant interference with the FDA's scientific work, impacting scientist morale, scientific openness and the ability of the agency to protect public health and safety.
At today's briefing, Dr. von Eschenbach recognized the survey's value and validity and expressed his concern about the constituency represented in the survey. "If I have 263 people who say their morale is poor," he said, "I intend to address that…I want there to be an environment where there is free, open and vigorous debate and discussion."
To restore scientific integrity at the agency, UCS recommended Dr. Von Eschenbach adopt and enforce three core commitments:
- First, ensure that data or results are never softened for any audience. Rigorous scientific debate must be valued at the FDA.
- Second, pledge to support scientists who speak out by taking adverse employment action against any manager who retaliates against a reviewer.
- Third, commit to a culture that supports a collaborative process of testing and challenging scientific hypotheses. The FDA must allow an open scientific process and recognize the need for scientists to pose and answer questions without consequences related to their status at the FDA.
While he offered no specific timetable or plan for change, Dr. von Eschenbach invited UCS to return in six months to help evaluate the agency's progress. "We have asked Dr. von Eschenbach to take concrete steps to improve the culture of science at the FDA," said Dr. Francesca Grifo, senior scientist and director of the UCS Scientific Integrity Program. "UCS will continue to monitor the agency as it works to retain its image as the gold standard of protecting American health and safety."
Formed in 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.
The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.
