NOAA’S Scientific Integrity Policy
Learn more about the NOAA SI Policy and related guidance.
The purpose of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Administrative Order on scientific integrity (NOAA’s scientific integrity policy) is to “promote a continuing culture of scientific excellence and integrity – and to establish a policy that ensures the integrity of the agency’s scientific activities used to inform management and policy decisions.”
NOAA preserves the integrity of the scientific activities it conducts and activities that are conducted on its behalf. NOAA leadership, decision-makers, managers, and scientists are expected to know of, and understand, the statutes, regulations, policies and relevant mandates that apply to their professional conduct and work. The NOAA scientific integrity policy requires that these individuals adhere to the principles of scientific integrity, integrity of science activities, the Code of Scientific Conduct, and Code of Ethics for Science Supervision and Management when performing their duties within and outside of NOAA.
Understanding NOAA’s Scientific Integrity Policy
Whether you are a NOAA federal scientist or science manager, or a researcher under a NOAA financial assistance award or under contract, you serve an important role in ensuring in the quality, validity, and reliability of NOAA science and science-based products and services. Explore the NOAA scientific integrity policy, your responsibilities, and related information in the links below.
NOAA Scientific Integrity Policy Documents
NOAA’s current scientific integrity policy and procedural handbook were issued on January 19, 2021.
Related NOAA Guidance and Resources
The NOAA scientific integrity policy encourages NOAA researchers and managers to engage in science and the development of scientific products, as well as publish data and findings in transparent ways that benefit the public and broader scientific community, as well as enhance NOAA’s reputation for reliable science. This includes dissemination (after appropriate internal review, including technical, information quality and policy review) through reputable, peer-reviewed, professional scholarly journals, preprint servers, and appropriate online formats.
Development and dissemination of scientific and technical products must be consistent with NOAA policies and procedures, as well as Department of Commerce and federal-wide policies.
- NOAA Framework for Internal Review and Approval of Fundamental Research Communications
- NOAA Information Quality Guidelines
- NOAA Conflict of Interest Policy for Non-Governmental Peer Reviewers
- NOAA Best Practices for Designating Authorship
- NOAA Communications
- NOAA Mission, Values, and Vision
- Gold Standard Science
Additional Department of Commerce and Federal Policy Resources
U.S. Department of Commerce (DOC) Guidance
- DOC Implementation of Administration Policy on Scientific Integrity
- DOC Administrative Order (DAO) 219-1 – Public Communications
- DOC Information Quality Guidelines
- DOC Social Media and Web 2.0 Policy
- DOC Administrative Order (DAO) 218-1 – Legislative Activities
- DOC Gold Standard Science Implementation Plan
White House (OMB and OSTP) Guidance
- Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science – May 23, 2025
- OSTP Guidance – Gold Standard Science – June 23, 2025
- OSTP Federal Policy on Research Misconduct – December 6, 2000
- Presidential Memorandum on Scientific Integrity – March 9, 2009
- OSTP Director’s Guidance Memo – December 17, 2010
- Open Government Directive (OMB, 2009b)
Information for Whistle-Blowers
NOAA protects those who uncover and report allegations of scientific and research misconduct, as well as those accused of scientific and research misconduct in the absence of a finding of misconduct, from prohibited personnel practices [as defined in 5 U.S.C. § 2302(b), as amended by the Whistleblower Protection Enhancement Act of 2012)]. Additional information on whistleblower protections can be found below.
NOAA Scientific Integrity Policy
Learn more about NOAA’s Scientific Integrity Policy
Guidance on Scientific and Professional Activities
Understand the guidelines for NOAA employees
Find information about how to submit an allegation
Annual NOAA Scientific Integrity Reports
Find our annual reports here