Accomplishments in the EPA Regions and Offices
In FY 2015, EPA program and regional offices took a variety of approaches to further implement the Scientific Integrity Policy at EPA. In this section, EPA regions and programs highlight their accomplishments in promoting a culture of scientific integrity by increasing transparency, supporting robust science, and encouraging professional development for employees.
New Products
In FY 2015, the Scientific Integrity Official, with the help of the Scientific Integrity Committee, developed the following new products that further promote adherence to the Scientific Integrity Policy.
Ethics and Professional Development
Developed as a joint project by the Scientific Integrity Program and the Office of General Counsel’s Ethics Office, this online training familiarizes EPA employees with the federal ethics laws and regulations and scientific integrity issues that employees might face while pursuing professional development opportunities. The training is a valuable resource for employees with questions or concerns about ethically participating in professional development activities. Since the training is modular, employees can search and skip to relevant topics as needed. The modules are organized by the ethics and integrity issues within an employee’s “official capacity” as a government employee bound by federal ethics laws and regulations, and an employee’s “personal capacity,” or when an employee is representing one’s own views and opinions, not necessarily the views of EPA.
Office of Inspector General Coordination Procedures
In FY 2015, the Scientific Integrity Official and the Office of Inspector General updated procedures for coordinating the evaluation of allegations of a loss of scientific integrity, research misconduct, and plagiarism.
Timeliness Policy
In FY 2015, the Scientific Integrity Official and the Scientific Integrity Committee responded to the Office of Inspector General’s recommendation that EPA’s Scientific Integrity Official develop standard operating procedures detailing how staff are to comply with the EPA’s Scientific Integrity Policy requirement to provide timely responses to requests for information by media, the public, and the scientific community. The Scientific Integrity Official collaborated across the Agency to create a definition of timeliness.
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