Australia needs a Science Integrity Charter for the Federal Public Sector - to establish clear, consistent principles for organisations and staff involved in science, research and innovation.
Science integrity ensures that the best research outcomes are achieved and that scientific advice is independent and verifiable.
Why do we need a Science Integrity Charter?
Science, innovation and research are fundamental to the economic, environmental and social needs and aspirations of the Australian community. The federal public sector is trusted to discover, apply and communicate science in a frank and fearless manner, without political or commercial interference.
What's being proposed?
An overarching Charter that encompasses all Federal Public Sector Science that is consistent, clear and focuses on science integrity. We believe science integrity is the fundamental issue that needs to be enforced in order to maximise trust from the public and to protect agencies and their staff from interference.
The Science Integrity Charter would complement and augment - rather than supersede - existing integrity implements that currently exist in organisations such as CSIRO, AIMS and ANSTO.
What's happened so far?
CPSU has already written to relevant agency and organisational leaders, seeking their support for a Science Integrity Charter. The Office of Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, have also been formally informed of the campaign.
How you can help
The main way you can help support the Science Integrity Charter is through supporting the petition. The petition calls on Minister Evans to support, develop and implement the Charter in consultation with Federal Public Sector science employees, their union and relevant management.
Time to stand up for scientific integrity Following the conviction of Italian scientists for manslaughter, CPSU's Dr Michael Borgas discusses how a new campaign for a Scientific Integrity Charter will help protect scientific research across the federal public sector. [read more]Members defend the integrity of public sector science A new campaign to protect public sector science from commercial and political interference has been launched with the aim of introducing a charter to champion scientific integrity across the federal public sector. [read more]Your guide to the Science Integrity Charter So why the need for a Science Integrity Charter? What's meant by integrity anyway? Is this just for scientists? Your questions answered in this handy guide to the campaign. [read more]The Proposal So what might a Science Integrity Charter look like? [read more]Making the case to Government CPSU has contacted the Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, seeking the Government's support for a Science Integrity Charter in the public sector. [read more]
