"The National Institutes of Health said it pulled the policy because of language on diversity and inclusion, in line with directives from the Trump administration"

"The National Institutes of Health has rescinded a scientific integrity policy intended to protect research and communications from political interference, citing the policy's commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The policy was rescinded Friday evening to “ensure alignment with the administration’s priorities,” according to a notice posted by NIH. The notice says NIH, which is the largest source of funding for medical research in the world, will now follow the Department of Health and Human Services' broader scientific integrity policy.

NIH, the notice says, “remains committed to upholding the principles of scientific integrity.”

The NIH policy, which was last updated during the final months of the Biden administration, included a commitment that “diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility (DEIA) are integral components of the entire scientific process.”

"Attention to DEIA can improve the success of the scientific workforce, foster innovation in the conduct and use of science, and provide for more equitable participation in science by diverse communities," the policy said.

No such diversity language is included in the HHS policy NIH is now meant to follow."

Ariel Wittenberg reports for E&E News April 1, 2025. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Trump’s NIH Ditches Its Scientific Integrity Policy. That’s Bad News for Public Trust in Government Science" (Union of Concerned Scientists) [3]

"Rescinding NIH Scientific Integrity Policy is an Attack on Science and Public Health" (Union of Concerned Scientists) [4]