Science Integrity Policy – Fact Sheet for Scientists and Researchers

The Department of National Defence (DND) and Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Science Integrity Policy (SIP) seeks to foster and promote a culture of scientific integrity and to ensure the relevance and reputation of DND/CAF research, science and technology expertise.

The SIP applies to all DND employees and CAF members who design, conduct, communicate, manage, review or make use of defence and security research, science or related activities, and/or DND research facilities. This includes external contractors, collaborators and clients, as well visiting scientists and students.

DND/CAF scientists and researchers are responsible to:

Promote a culture of science integrity

• Ensure that all activities are consistent with all relevant and applicable standards of scientific excellence, research ethics, and responsible research conduct.
• Avoid conflict of interest and ensure that any real or potential conflict of interest is reported and appropriately managed.
• Follow the relevant and applicable research practices honestly, accountably, openly and fairly in the development and dissemination of research and scientific knowledge.
• Ensure that contractors and partners in research, science, or related activities are informed of this policy and instructions and that they are expected to comply with its provisions.

Provide scientific advice to support evidence-informed decision making

• Provide advice that informs federal programs, policy, regulations and law.
• Identify emerging scientific and technical issues, research directions and opportunities.
• Support the gathering, evaluating and incorporating of scientific advice into the DND and CAF decision- making process.

Ensure openness, transparency and timeliness

• Enhance employee understanding of the contributions of research and science to evidence-informed decision-making, and the development of government policy and advice.
• Understand and seek to enhance the contributions of science and research to science advice, government policy and evidence-informed decision making.
• Release research and scientific information in a timely manner, in the absence of clear and compelling reasons for limiting disclosure.
• Be familiar with and respect any legal restriction on information disclosure.
• Do not suppress, alter or otherwise impede the timely release of research or scientific information in the absence of a compelling reason to do so.
• Assist in evaluating and or reporting on performance indicators about scientific integrity when requested or required by the Office of Scientific Integrity (OSI).

Participate in professional development, training and engagement opportunities

• In discussion with your manager, seek and participate in available professional development opportunities about behaviour and conduct to support the policy, especially virtues underlying scientific excellence.
• Participate in training devoted to roles of science to support decision-making.
• Participate in collaborative and extramural research and development activities.

Participate in communicating science

• Ensure that the conduct of defence and security research and science as well as any associated use and communications are free from political, commercial, client and stakeholder interference.
• Uphold the right to freedom of expression on matters of research and science.
• Respect all applicable laws, regulations, orders and instructions, including DAOD 2008-2, Media Relations and Public Announcements, which provides guidance on public speaking.
• Participate in media training provided by Public Affairs as needed.

Ensure integrity in publications

• Accurately represent and acknowledge contributions to research and scientific work.
• Ensure that approval of all listed authors and contributors is obtained.
• Ensure that the work in question is not a republication of original work except when the republication invites translation or dissemination to diverse audiences and is consistent with existing standards on republication.
• Consult with scientists whose data/information are used in the document to ensure the data/information is used and interpreted appropriately.

Know the breach process

• Seek to resolve alleged breaches in a fair and respectful manner.
• Avoid breaches of responsible research conduct.
• Be familiar with DND's Breach Process. Understand what constitutes a breach by being familiar with the relevant guidelines and policies.
• Report suspected breaches of scientific integrity as soon as possible and participate in good faith in resulting investigations.

For questions, please contact: DND/CAF's Office of Science Integrity