Sun, Dec 25, 2011
Agency Scientists OK'd To Speak Freely
NASA has reaffirmed its commitment to science with the release
of a new framework on scientific integrity. The framework
summarizes the agency's policies and practices that strengthen and
uphold scientific integrity. This represents the first time NASA
has codified these policies under the umbrella of scientific
integrity.
"Integrity is woven throughout the fabric of NASA, and science
plays a leading role in that," NASA Administrator Charles Bolden
(pictured) said. "This framework reflects and strengthens our
commitment to open, honest, unrestricted and fair science
practices, and sustains a culture that promotes them."
To support this culture of transparency, the framework reaffirms
NASA's public communications policy of 2006, which states NASA
scientists may speak freely with the public about scientific and
technical matters.
"The ability to accurately and widely communicate our amazing
science discoveries is one of our highest priorities," said NASA
Chief Scientist Waleed Abdalati at the agency's headquarters in
Washington. "NASA set a high standard with its forward-looking
communications policy in 2006, and today we welcome the opportunity
to join other agencies that are re-dedicating themselves to the
highest standards of scientific excellence and advancing public
trust in our discoveries."
NASA and other federal agencies submitted scientific integrity
policies in response to a memorandum issued by the White House
Office of Science and Technology Policy in December 2010. NASA's
framework expands on the President's Memorandum to Department and
Agency Heads on Scientific Integrity issued March 9, 2009, and
specifies how the agency will address key issues.
In addition to public communications, the framework addresses
professional development of government scientists and engineers,
peer review and other topics. In developing its framework, NASA
leadership evaluated the agency's existing policies and sought
opportunities to improve and build on them. The agency currently is
revising certain policies, including directives on the use of
federal advisory committees. NASA will continue evaluating and
improving policies within the framework through its formal review
and renewal process.
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