This is also the first time a federal advisory committee has been formed to focus on science quality and integrity, and specifically on matters related to the responsibilities of the USGS Office of Science Quality and Integrity.  

“Federal Advisory Committees are an important mechanism to ensure the credibility and quality of USGS science,” says Dr. Craig Robinson, OSQI Director. “We are pleased that this Advisory Committee has attracted a distinguished group of members, and we appreciate their expertise and experience as we continue to elevate and strengthen our policies and practices to support science quality and integrity.”  

The committee is made up of members from local and state governments, non-governmental organizations, academia, and other stakeholders and sectors that make use of USGS science.  

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland signed a charter in 2024 to allow the U.S. Department of the Interior to establish and seek nominations for the advisory committee. After a thorough review of the nominations, highly qualified experts with both broad and focused expertise representing a wide range of stakeholders were selected to serve on the Advisory Committee’s first body.  Each member is invited to serve either a two- or three-year term.  

The advisory committee plans to meet three times in 2025, with the goal of advising the Department of the Interior and the USGS on matters related to the responsibilities of the USGS Office of Science Quality and Integrity (OSQI) including monitoring and enhancing the integrity, quality, and health of all USGS science through oversight and the development of strong science practices.  

To learn more about the Advisory Committee and see a full list of members, visit the Advisory Committee webpage.