Scientific Integrity and Why Does it Matter?

Scientific Integrity and Why Does it Matter?

Scientific integrity

Scientific integrity is the ability and responsibility to perform, use and share objective and clear science without censorship or political interference. That means scientists have the right – and responsibility – to communicate their research to the public and among themselves independently, accurately, and without threat. Scientists deserve full autonomy to conduct research.

Supporting scientific integrity is how we ensure that we’re basing decisions on scientific knowledge insulated from bias, falsification, or personal interests.

The scientific method

Without protections for scientific integrity and freedom from censorship and intimidation, the scientific method –the most powerful tool we have for learning about the universe– is compromised.

Scientists follow rules as part of the scientific method – when we protect the ability and responsibility of science defined by those roles, we get science driven by integrity, not special interests.

Basic research

When science is attacked and belittled, basic research often comes under fire in particular.

Basic research is the science we do purely to improve our understanding of the world around us.

It lies at the root of all of the exciting scientific advancements we rely on everyday – everything from your medication to your cell phone can be traced back in part to basic research.

In order to improve our ability to treat diseases and develop the technologies that improve our lives, we need a better base of knowledge! That’s what basic research is for – and it’s actually what the majority of the research scientists do.

And that is why protecting scientific integrity is crucial. We need to explore ideas without censorship, diminishment, or limitations. Our future depends on it.