Advertisement

If you have an ACS member number, please enter it here so we can link this account to your membership. (optional)

ACS values your privacy. By submitting your information, you are gaining access to C&EN and subscribing to our weekly newsletter. We use the information you provide to make your reading experience better, and we will never sell your data to third party members.

ENJOY UNLIMITED ACCES TO C&EN

Policy

Science Board Looks At Scientific Openness

by Susan R. Morrissey
May 22, 2006 | A version of this story appeared in Volume 84, Issue 21

Science Policy

Federal science agencies lack clear, consistent policies and procedures for disseminating the research results obtained by federal scientists, according to a new survey by the National Science Board, the governing body of the National Science Foundation. The results of the survey were outlined in a May 10 letter to Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), who asked NSB to look at what policies agencies have in place to prevent the "suppression and/or distortion of research findings of federal scientists."

McCain sought the information from NSB, which did a study on scientific communication in 1988, in light of recent concerns that some agencies are censoring the release of federal research by government scientists.

NSB recommends that an overarching set of principles for communicating scientific information be set by the Bush Administration. Agencies should use these principles to guide the development of each agency's own policies and procedures. NSB also notes that "a clear distinction should be made between communicating professional research results and data versus the interpretation of data and results in a context that seeks to influence through injection of personal viewpoints, public opinion, or the formulation of public policy."

The agencies surveyed by NSB include the Environmental Protection Agency, the Fish & Wildlife Service, the National Aeronautics & Space Administration, the National Institutes of Health, the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, the U.S. Geological Survey, and the Departments of Agriculture, Energy, and Health & Human Services.

Article:

This article has been sent to the following recipient:

0 /1 FREE ARTICLES LEFT THIS MONTH Remaining
Chemistry matters. Join us to get the news you need.