Scientific Integrity
Political interference in federal government science is weakening our nation's ability to respond to the complex challenges we face. Because policy makers depend on impartial research to make informed decisions, we are mobilizing scientists and citizens alike to push for reforms that will enable our leaders to fully protect our health, safety, and environment.
Features
Scientific Integrity at the EPA
On June 9, UCS testified before the Senate on steps the EPA can take to protect EPA scientists and their work from political interference. At the hearing, UCS also presented scientific integrity questions legislators should consider when creating new legislation.
Scientific Integrity Progress Report
Has the Obama administration’s action matched its rhetoric on scientific integrity? We've put together a progress report on the administration's first 100 days, highlighting instances where science has been defended, as well as the significant work yet to be done.
Protecting Science in the Endangered Species Act
In a partial victory for endangered species, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar and Commerce Secretary Gary Locke used their authority to roll back controversial changes to the scientific foundation of the Endangered Species Act, responding to the concerns of thousands of concerned scientists and citizens. However, the secretaries have yet to roll back other flawed rules changes, and face a May 9 deadline to do so.
Scientific Integrity and the Presidential Transition
UCS has developed a series of recommendations that will help executive and congressional leaders to restore scientific integrity to federal policymaking. We have incorporated input from scientists, government officials, and public interest groups, and have presented them to the presidential transition team.
Successes
Recent successes in Scientific Integrity include:
- Improving drug safety
- Giving federal scientists a voice
- Protecting endangered species science
- Uncovering abuses of science in multiple government agencies
- Protecting the public from unsafe products
Analysis
Report on Federal Agency Media Policies
To assess the degree of freedom with which science is communicated at federal agencies, the Union of Concerned Scientists conducted an investigation of 15 federal regulatory and science agencies.
Federal Science and the Public Good
A UCS examination of direct political interference in science, systemic changes that have made it more difficult for federal scientists to serve the public interest, and specific steps needed to restore scientific integrity to federal policy making.
Interference at the EPA
Hundreds of scientists report political interference in their work, significant barriers to the free communication of scientific results, and concerns about the agency's effectiveness.
Campaigns
Urge Federal Agencies to Let Scientists Speak OutFederal scientists must feel free to speak out about research findings that impact our lives. Please urge federal agency leaders to improve their agencies’ media policies.
Endorse the Scientists' Call to Action
Restoring scientific integrity to federal policy making will take a sustained commitment by Congress and the president--and that will require persistent and energetic engagement from scientists and citizens alike.
Resources
A-to-Z Guide to Political Interference
In recent years, scientists who work for and advise the federal government have seen their work manipulated, suppressed, distorted, while agencies have systematically limited public and policy maker access to critical scientific information. To document this abuse, the Union of Concerned Scientists has created the A to Z Guide to Political Interference in Science.
Scientific Integrity Curriculum Guide
To foster thoughtful discussions about the proper role of science in federal policy making, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has created a Scientific Integrity Curriculum Guide to help undergraduate and advanced high school instructors teach this complex subject.
Voices of Federal Scientists
A series of surveys from 2005-2007 designed to explore the level of political interference in science at federal agencies including the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service, Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), and federal climate scientists.
