USGS Fundamental Science Practices Uphold Gold Standard Science

Adherence to U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Fundamental Science Practices (FSP) is an integral part of ensuring the Bureau continues its longstanding practice of conducting Gold Standard Science as described in Executive Order (E.O.) 14303, dated May 23, 2025.  

In addition to E.O. 14303, the USGS FSP also align with the related requirements stated in the Office of Science and Technology Policy’s National Science and Technology Memorandum (NSTM-1) titled Agency Guidance for Implementing Gold Standard Science in the Conduct and Management of Scientific Activities (June 23, 2025) and the Department of the Interior Secretarial Order 3441 of August 29, 2025, Implementing the Requirements of Executive Order 14303, Restoring Gold Standard Science, May 23, 2025. 

FSP support the following nine tenets (refer to NSTM-1) by which Gold Standard Science is conducted:   

• Reproducible 

• Transparent  

• Communicative of Error and Uncertainty  

• Collaborative and Interdisciplinary  

• Skeptical of its Findings and Assumptions  

• Structured for Falsifiability of Hypotheses  

• Subject to Unbiased Peer Review  

• Accepting of Negative Results as Positive Outcomes and 

• Without Conflicts of Interest.