Scientific Integrity at HHS

Science refers to the full spectrum of scientific endeavors, including basic science, applied science, evaluation, engineering, technology, economics, social sciences, and statistics, as well as the scientific and technical information derived from these endeavors.

- Definition of Science: HHS Scientific Integrity Policy

Scientific integrity plays a vital role in the mission of HHS. Ensuring integrity in science throughout the Department allows HHS to produce high-quality science, communicate effectively with the public, and base critical policy decisions on trustworthy and rigorous scientific findings.

HHS adopts the federal definition of scientific integrity:

Scientific integrity is the adherence to professional practices, ethical behavior, and the principles of honesty and objectivity when conducting, managing, using the results of, and communicating about science and scientific activities. Inclusivity, transparency, and protection from inappropriate influence are hallmarks of scientific integrity. (Source: A Framework for Federal Scientific Integrity Policy and Practice)

Scientific integrity encompasses, but is not limited to:

  • Research integrity
  • Accurate communication of scientific information
  • Ensuring policymakers have the best available information to make decisions

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The HHS Scientific Integrity Policy

HHS has adopted a Department-wide Scientific Integrity Policy that applies to all HHS employees. The Policy is based on recommendations made by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the National Science and Technology Council. The effective date of the Policy is October 16, 2024.

The purpose of this policy is to promote a continuing culture of scientific integrity at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This policy aims to ensure the integrity of all aspects of HHS scientific activities, including proposing, conducting, reviewing, managing, and communicating about science and scientific activities, and using the results of science to inform policy and program decision-making. (Source: HHS Scientific Integrity Policy)

The Policy outlines the steps involved in the reporting and addressing of scientific integrity concerns, how to handle differing scientific opinions, and various roles and responsibilities relating to scientific integrity. To promote a culture of scientific integrity, the policy also outlines requirements and practices related to seven key areas.

  • Protecting Scientific Processes. This section prohibits political interference and other inappropriate influence, requires reasonable efforts to ensure the fidelity of the scientific record, and requires research integrity and responsible conduct of research.
  • Ensuring the Free Flow of Scientific Information. This section strives to ensure open and timely communication of HHS science.
  • Supporting Policymaking Processes. This section requires the scientific information used to support policy and decision making to be accurate and transparent.
  • Ensuring Accountability. This section outlines the basic procedures for addressing scientific integrity concerns and ensures correction of the scientific record when allegations of a loss of scientific integrity are substantiated. For more information about what to do if you have a concern about scientific integrity please see https://www.hhs.gov/programs/research/scientificintegrity-reporting/index.html.
  • Protections. In this section, HHS assures the protection of HHS scientists from retribution or retaliation, assures whistleblower and other employee protections, and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility in the scientific workforce.
  • Professional Development for Government Scientists. HHS encourages its scientists to interact with the broader scientific community. This section encourages publication of research, participation in research conferences, and other appropriate professional development activities.
  • Federal Advisory Committees (FACs). This section requires transparency in recruitment of FAC members and outlines requirements for selection of FAC members, among other provisions.

The HHS Scientific Integrity Official and Scientific Integrity Council

The HHS Scientific Integrity Official (SIO), a position filled by the HHS Scientific Integrity Officer, oversees implementation and iterative improvement of the Policy and related processes, and serves as Chair of the HHS Scientific Integrity Council. The HHS Scientific Integrity Council is comprised of senior career employees from OpDivs and StaffDivs across HHS. Council members work to ensure consistent implementation of the Policy at HHS and act as liaisons for their respective HHS OpDivs/StaffDivs. Together, the council members and HHS SIO will work to support implementation of the Policy, address questions about the Policy or scientific integrity at HHS, and handle allegations of potential loss of scientific integrity. (Source: HHS Scientific Integrity Policy)

Additional information about the roles and responsibilities of the HHS SIO and Scientific Integrity Council is available in the HHS Scientific Integrity Policy.

If you have questions regarding the HHS Scientific Integrity Policy or Scientific Integrity at HHS, please contact the HHS SIO. (Email: ScientificIntegrity@hhs.gov)

Scientific Integrity Across HHS Divisions

Related HHS Offices

Federal Regulations and Protections

Content created by Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE)
Content last reviewed