NOAA scientific integrity


"Scientific integrity is at the core of producing and using good science. By being open and honest about our science, we build understanding and trust."

Dr. Jane Lubchenco,
NOAA Administrator

Science is the foundation of all NOAA does. NOAA’s weather forecasts and warnings, nautical charts, climate information, fishing regulations, coastal management recommendations, and satellites in the sky all depend on science. The quality of NOAA science is exemplary, and many of NOAA’s scientists are recognized as national and international experts in their fields.

NOAA has been working to develop a scientific integrity policy that would continue and enhance NOAA’s culture of transparency, integrity, and ethical behavior.

To this end, NOAA has embarked on a thoughtful and transparent effort to draft a policy to uphold the principles of scientific integrity contained in the President’s March 9, 2009, Memorandum and Office of Science and Technology Policy Director, John Holdren’s December 17, 2010, Memorandum on scientific integrity.

Sea Grant fosters regional approaches to studying coastal ecosystems.

High resolution (Credit: Dave Partee/Alaska Sea Grant)

UPDATE as of 12/7/11:

Thank you to all who submitted input to NOAA’s DRAFT Scientific Integrity Policy and Procedural Handbook. Today, NOAA issued the FINAL policy and handbook, which you can view in full – along with additional support materials – on NOAA’s “Scientific Integrity Commons” webpage at http://nrc.noaa.gov/scientificintegrity.html.

Page updated: December 7, 2011