Outreach and Training
Implementing the Scientific Integrity Policy and fostering a culture of scientific integrity is most effective when all employees, contractors, grantees, and student volunteers understand the policy and how they contribute to EPA’s culture of scientific integrity. EPA’s scientific integrity program pursues opportunities to increase visibility and improve the program through outreach, training, new products, and other activities.
Training
EPA’s scientific integrity program developed a whiteboard video on scientific integrity in 2016. The video has been used in training workshops across the Agency. The objectives of the training are to increase awareness of the EPA Scientific Integrity Policy and to show how a culture of scientific integrity enhances the Agency’s work.
New Employee Onboarding Training
Since January 2017, all new EPA employees are required to take online scientific integrity training, which consists of a video of the Scientific Integrity Official conducting a training session. This training session features the introductory whiteboard video and discussion, followed by a short quiz. Showing this training to new employees helps them to establish a personal commitment to scientific integrity from the moment that they arrive at the Agency.
Outreach Materials
2021 Scientific Integrity Stakeholder and Partner Meeting
On June 15th, 2021, EPA held is biennial Scientific Integrity Stakeholder and Partner Meeting. Over 100 external stakeholders and partners attended the meeting. Dr. Jennifer Orme-Zavaleta, EPA’s Science Advisor, and Janet McCabe, EPA’s Deputy Administrator, made introductory remarks. Dr. Alondra Nelson, Deputy Director for Science and Society in the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) gave remarks on the Memorandum on Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking. EPA’s Scientific Integrity Official, Dr. Francesca Grifo, spoke about scientific integrity at the Agency and conducted a question and answer session. Slides from the meeting are posted below.
Scientific Integrity at EPA: Results of the 2016 Employee Survey
Office of Inspector General Report on Scientific Integrity
In 2020 the Office of Inspector General (OIG) released an audit that examined whether the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy was being implemented as intended to assure scientific integrity throughout the EPA. The OIG examined:
1. Extent and type of employee concerns, if any, with scientific integrity at the EPA.
2. Employee awareness of the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy, including the process for reporting potential violations. A potential violation is also referred to as a potential “loss of scientific integrity.”
3. Reasons potential violations may not be reported.
4. The adjudication process for allegations of Scientific Integrity Policy violations in general and any concerns, such as with complaint resolution, timeliness of resolution, or other process-related issues.
The OIG used the results of the survey and audit to make recommendations of further efforts needed to uphold scientific integrity policy at EPA. The Agency (EPA) agreed with the OIG recommendations and provided acceptable corrective actions