Restoring Gold Standard Science

This Executive Order directs federal agencies to adopt rigorous “Gold Standard Science” practices to restore public trust in the integrity of federally funded scientific research. Citing past misuse of scientific data, reproducibility concerns, and politicization of science, the order requires that scientific information used in policy decisions be transparent, reproducible, and objectively evaluated. Within 30 days, the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) must issue guidance outlining these standards, after which agencies must update their scientific integrity policies and report implementation actions within 60 days. Agencies are required to disclose influential data and models (with limited exceptions), communicate uncertainty and assumptions clearly, and apply a “weight of scientific evidence” approach in decision-making. Interim policies revert to those in place as of January 19, 2021, and actions taken between January 20, 2021, and January 20, 2025, must be reviewed for compliance. Each agency must also establish internal processes to address violations. The order applies to all employees and contractors involved in scientific activities, with limited waivers permitted by OMB and OSTP.

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30 days.

OSTP must issue guidance on “Gold Standard Science” within 30 days. Agencies must update scientific integrity policies promptly after OSTP guidance. Agencies must report to OSTP on implementation within 60 days of OSTP guidance. Agencies and employees must follow new scientific data rules within 30 days. Agencies must make influential scientific data and models public as practicable. Agencies must review and revise policies issued between Jan. 20, 2021–Jan. 20, 2025. Agencies must revoke changes made under the Jan. 27, 2021 Presidential Memorandum. Agencies must review actions from Jan. 20, 2021–Jan. 20, 2025 for compliance with the EO. Agencies must establish internal processes to evaluate scientific integrity violations. Agencies must include scientific integrity standards in contractor terms where practicable. Agency heads may request waivers from OMB and OSTP on a case-by-case basis.

No known legal challenges.