Statement by Francesca Grifo, Union of Concerned Scientists

White House Science Advisor John Holdren told federal departments and agencies yesterday that they must submit “final draft [scientific integrity] policies” to the White House by Dec. 17, 2011. The request comes one year after he issued his initial call for these policies. Below is a statement from Dr. Francesca Grifo, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists’ Scientific Integrity program:

“It’s encouraging to see the Obama administration’s commitment to scientific integrity and ensuring that policy decisions are fully informed by the best available science. Some policies have already been issued by agencies and departments, but so far they all fall short in important areas. For example, none of the policies released provide adequate protections for employees who report political interference in their work.

“If the administration hopes to meet its scientific integrity commitments by the end of next year, the policies issued next month must be comprehensive and specific. Agencies should not wait until Dec. 17 to release them for public comment. Making these draft policies available for public input is essential to ensuring the best scientific integrity practices possible.”

The Union of Concerned Scientists is the leading U.S. science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy environment and a safer world. Founded in 1969, UCS is headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, and also has offices in Berkeley, Chicago and Washington, D.C.