Science Integrity Blog

Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Executive Office of the President

Cultivating a Conversation on Scientific Integrity

Launch Science Integrity Blog

The Challenge

This Administration is strongly committed to de-politicizing science and improving scientific integrity. On March 9, 2009, the President issued a Memorandum requiring the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) to develop recommendations to ensure scientific integrity in the executive branch. To help inform these recommendations, OSTP has launched the science integrity blog, which draws upon the dispersed knowledge and creativity of the American people by soliciting public input on how best to identify and incorporate scientific evidence and information on critical issues facing the Nation.

The Solution

The OSTP blog is a direct line of communication between the Office of Science and Technology policy and the general public. It allows OSTP to inform the public, pose questions for the public to weigh in on, and frame the debate so that the information they provide will be of most use. The site also allows people to "vote" others’ ideas up or down, and to "flag" comments that are offensive or off-point, which can ultimately lead to some comments being "collapsed" (though they remain part of the public record) to allow smoother continuity of conversation.

The Benefit

The nation benefits by getting a wider range of ideas from a broader spectrum of Americans. Those who are offering comments can also benefit because they can learn from responses to their comments and the comments of others. More generally, having an effective means of getting involved in government decision-making can build public confidence in—and a sense of "ownership" of—the federal government.

For more information, email ScienceIntegrityBlog@ostp.gov