Fundamental Science Practices of the US Geological Survey

Fundamental Science Practices of the US Geological Survey Overview No matter what policies and guidelines are developed, the responsibility for science excellence remains where it has always been —in the hands and minds of the dedicated scientists of the USGS.

USGS Fundamental Science Practices: What are they? The scientific reputation of the U. S. Geological Survey (USGS) for excellence, integrity, and objectivity is one of the Bureau’s most important assets. This reputation for reliable science brings authority to our data and findings, creates and protects long-term credibility, and ensures that the public trust is met. USGS Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) underlie all USGS science activities, uphold the Bureau's scientific reputation, and underscore its mandate to provide reliable science to address pressing societal issues. The FSP also promote the broad release and communication of results of USGS science activities. This policy applies to all employees and science activities funded by the USGS. The FSP policies represent the minimum requirements to which all USGS organizational units must adhere.

USGS Fundamental Science Practices: What do they cover? ✔ ✔ ✔ ✔ Planning and Conducting Data Collection and Research Peer Review, Approval, and Release of our science and data Safeguarding Unpublished U. S. Geological Survey Data, Information, and Associated Scientific Materials Management of Scientific Data Metadata for USGS Scientific Information Products Including Data Review and Approval of Scientific Data for Release Preservation Requirements for Scientific Data

FSP Roles and Responsibilities FSP are the collective and shared responsibility of everyone in the USGS. Designated officials, scientists, Mission Areas and offices have specific roles, authorities, and functions in establishing and following the policies that constitute FSP.

FSP Internet Site • Is the primary resource for our scientists, stakeholders, partners, and the public to obtain information about USGS FSP. • The site provides a quick and easy navigation to FSP policy and procedural and guidance materials. http: //www. usgs. gov/fsp/

FSP Guidance and Support It is important to note the procedures and guidance information that support FSP policy, available at the public FSP Web site and the internal FSP Web site are considered policy and therefore must be followed. http: //www. usgs. gov/fsp/

Consequences • Violation of USGS Fundamental Science Practices by USGS scientists may be considered a breach of scientific conduct. • Consequences for not following FSP and other Bureau policies are guided by the “U. S. Department of the Interior Handbook on Charges and Penalty Selection for Disciplinary and Adverse Actions. ”

FSP Training Resources Additional training materials associated with FSP are available as short modules addressing requirements for specific information product types, conditions and responsibilities. These modules are available here: https: //www 2. usgs. gov/fsp/training. asp

Questions? Questions related to USGS Fundamental Science Practices should be addressed first to your USGS Bureau Approving Official (BAO) if you are a USGS scientist or to the USGS Fundamental Science Practices Advisory Committee at GS_FSPAC@usgs. gov

Fundamental Science Practices of the US Geological Survey No matter what policies and guidelines are developed, the responsibility for science excellence remains where it has always been—in the hands and minds of the dedicated scientists of the USGS.