White House issues policy on political interference with federal scientists

White House officials on Friday issued long-delayed guidance for federal agencies on protecting scientific research from political interference.

The rules, which President Obama ordered the Office of Science and Technology Policy to produce by summer 2009, are the administration's response to years of allegations that agency appointees have forced researchers to suppress facts on controversial issues, such as global warming and stem-cell research, for political reasons.

The rules include several provisions that affect federal employees, including stipulations on hiring, professional development, media relations and participation in scholarly societies. Agency heads must report to the White House by April 17, 2011, on steps they have taken to implement the new policies.

Under the rules, agency leaders are supposed to strengthen the credibility of government research by ensuring applicants selected for federal science jobs are chosen based on their scientific and technical knowledge, credentials, experience and integrity. In addition, officials must set clear standards on conflicts of interest for employees and rules for protecting whistleblowers.

Scientists are allowed to speak with the press about technical matters related to their work, "with appropriate coordination with their immediate supervisor and their public affairs office," according to the memo, which was signed by OSTP Director John Holdren. "In no circumstance may public affairs officers ask or direct federal scientists to alter scientific findings."

Officials must have procedures in place to resolve disputes between public affairs staff and scientists that arise from decisions regarding whether to proceed with interviews.

Agency heads also must establish guidelines that permit and encourage federal scientists to participate in outside research activities. For example, if consistent with ethics policies and laws, the rules allow scientists to become editors or editorial board members of professional and scholarly journals. In addition, agencies are urged to allow scientists to fully participate in professional societies, committees, task forces and other specialized bodies by "removing barriers for serving as officers or on governing boards of such societies."

Gary Bass, executive director of government accountability group OMB Watch, said the memo is a good start, but some elements need to be explained in greater detail.

"In some respects, we're going to have to wait one more step further to see how it gets executed," after agencies report back to Holdren, he said. "It doesn't say that those [reports] are to be public."