White House office tells agencies to apply ‘Gold Standard Science’ to depoliticize research, restore trust
The White House is taking steps to depoliticize science and restore public trust by implementing “gold standard science” principles across federal agencies. This initiative, directed by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy Director Michael Kratsios, is based on President Donald Trump’s executive order on “Restoring Gold Standard Science.”
According to the guidance sent to federal research agencies, “Gold Standard Science” is defined as reproducible, transparent, and falsifiable. It also involves unbiased peer review, clear communication of errors and uncertainties, skepticism of assumptions, collaboration, acceptance of negative results, and freedom from conflicts of interest. The goal is to ensure that science is not manipulated or misused for political purposes.
Kratsios emphasized that this initiative is not limited to federal agencies but extends to universities, scientific journals, industry, and philanthropic organizations. The goal is to improve the overall quality of research and set a standard for the entire scientific enterprise.
The memo sent to federal agencies outlines nine core tenets of “Gold Standard Science,” including reproducibility, transparency, communication of error and uncertainty, collaboration, skepticism, falsifiability, unbiased peer review, acceptance of negative results, and avoidance of conflicts of interest. These principles are meant to strengthen scientific inquiry, rebuild public trust, and maintain the U.S.’s global leadership in evidence-based science.
In addition to federal agencies, Kratsios stressed the importance of conducting science without conflicts of interest. Researchers, reviewers, and agency officials must disclose all relevant affiliations, funding sources, and relationships that could bias outcomes or undermine objectivity. This transparency is crucial for generating trustworthy and credible knowledge and upholding scientific integrity.
Federal agencies have been given 60 days to outline their implementation plans for “Gold Standard Science,” including training and resources to ensure adherence to the new policy. Agencies are also encouraged to use artificial intelligence-driven tools when practical to enhance scientific rigor and objectivity.
The initiative to restore “Gold Standard Science” comes in response to a decline in disruptive research, investments in biomedical research, cases of fraud and misconduct, and public trust in government scientists. The goal is to ensure that federal research is conducted with the highest standards of integrity and reliability, free from political interference.
Overall, the White House’s efforts to promote “Gold Standard Science” represent a commitment to evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and accountability in scientific research. By upholding these principles, federal agencies can strengthen public trust, advance unbiased science, and maintain the U.S.’s leadership in rigorous, evidence-based research.
