Prioritizing Scientific Integrity & Evidence-Based Policymaking: A Look at the White House Memo

Recording

Overview

Trust in government is vital for a strong and thriving democracy. In January 2021, President Biden signed a memorandum to establish a policy that the federal Executive Branch will prioritize and support evidence-based decision-making in the United States. The memorandum, “Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking,” directs executive agencies to align priorities to focus on scientific integrity, data, and evidence, supporting efforts to build trust in government.

During the webinar, speakers discussed the significance of this memorandum for the data and evidence community, examine the immediate and long-term implications for existing laws like the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act, and identify the opportunities for chief data officers, evaluation officials, and statistical officers. The Data Foundation hosted a conversation on this important presidential action and what it means for the future of data and evidence activities in the United States.  

Panelists

• Kumar Garg, Managing Director and Head of Partnerships, Schmidt Futures
• Nick Hart, President, Data Foundation (moderator)
• Paul Schroeder, Executive Director, Council of Professional Associations on Federal Statistics
• Kate Tromble, Vice President of Federal Policy, Results for America