October 18, 2024

Ensuring Trust in Science: NIH’s Commitment to Scientific Integrity

As NIH Director, one of my top priorities is to earn and maintain trust in biomedical research. Ensuring the highest level of scientific integrity, public accountability, and social responsibility in the conduct of science is paramount to cultivating trust. These principles have always guided NIH research. I recognize that maintaining the public’s trust is an ongoing process, and we must constantly evolve to ensure our policies and practices keep up with an ever-changing world. NIH is reaffirming its commitment to these values of integrity and transparency by publishing its , which will go into effect on December 30, 2024.

The NIH policy aligns with the , both of which were informed by the 2021 and guidance from the National Science and Technology Council. It outlines existing procedures at NIH that promote scientific integrity while introducing new roles and responsibilities to further strengthen these practices across NIH.

I commend the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy for its leadership in advancing a culture of scientific integrity across the federal government. These collective efforts are essential to safeguarding science from undue influence, including political interference in the conduct, management, communication, and application of scientific research.Ìý

NIH remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring that NIH research adheres to the highest, most rigorous standards. I am confident that this policy provides a clear framework that underscores the shared responsibility across the biomedical enterprise to promote and adhere to scientific integrity principles.

Monica M. Bertagnolli, M.D.
Director, NIH