Discover the Science Integrity Policy
December 15, 2025 - Defence Stories
Estimated read time – 0:45
Why science integrity matters
Upholding science integrity ensures credibility, transparency, and trust in the research that supports Defence operations and decision making. This policy applies across the Department of National Defence (DND) and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), not only to scientists at Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC). Everyone plays a role in the responsible use and communication of evidence.
Effective immediately, the Science Integrity Policy (SIP) guides all members of the Defence Team in their work.
Learn how the SIP applies to everyone
Video / November 2, 2023
Transcript
The Department of National Defence and Canadian Armed Forces
Science Integrity Policy (SIP)
Did you know that the SIP doesn’t just apply to Scientists and Researchers?
The Science Integrity Policy applies to you, if you:
- design
- conduct
- communicate
- manage
- review or
- use defence and security research, science or related activities, or DND research facilities.
This includes collaborators, clients, visiting scientists, students and external contractors.
The Science Integrity Policy ensures:
- the ethical conduct of research
- that our research is trustworthy and
- that we make decisions based on sound science.
8 principles of the science integrity policy:
- excellence
- independence
- timeliness
- credit
- conflict of interest
- open dialogue
- recognition
- integrity
The science integrity policy lays out:
- how to achieve these principles
- departmental priorities and procedures
- alignment with standards and values
DND/CAF has a process for addressing allegations of breaches of scientific integrity.
Read more about the DND/CAF Science Integrity Policy and its Breach Guidelines: DND/CAF’s Science Integrity Policy
Questions? ScienceIntegrity-IntegriteScientifique@forces.gc.ca
The SIP shows up in your daily work by:
- guiding ethical design, conduct, review, and communication of research
- ensuring consistent, transparent, and credible scientific practices
- supporting informed DND and CAF decision making and operational excellence
- reinforcing accountability across the entire Defence Team network
Maintaining strong science integrity is central to the quality and reliability of the evidence that supports Canada’s defence decisions. Take a moment to review the video and reflect on your role.
Access the video and resources
- Learn more about the breach process guidelines: Science Integrity Policy – Breach Process Guidelines
- DND/CAF’s Science Integrity Policy
- Defence Research and Development Canada (available only on the DWAN)
The Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed forces are committed to the highest ethical standards in all science-related decisions and activities. The SIP outlines expectations for how research is designed, conducted, reviewed, managed, and communicated across the Defence Team. The Assistant Deputy Minister (DRDC) is the Department of National Defence’s functional authority for the Science Integrity Policy.
Integrated Conduct, Culture and Personnel Management team,
Defence Research and Development Canada