Introducing the TEX Statement on Integrity in Community Science
Community science depends on partnerships that harvest the benefits of many perspectives. To provide a foundation for effective, mutually beneficial and ethically conducted community science projects, TEX developed its Statement on Integrity in Community Science.
In addition to guiding how projects are conducted, the statement serves as a framework for identifying shared values at the start of a collaboration. Many cultural traditions and a growing body of research suggest that articulating shared values and responsibilities at the start of a cooperative project improves outcomes and impact.
Recognizing the need for a way to encapsulate the values of community science and enhance responsible practice, the TEX Advisory Board and operational team drafted the statement in fall 2017. The Singapore Statement on Research Integrity, which AGU has used as the foundation for its Scientific Integrity and Professional Ethics Policy, as well as the Principles for the Ethical Practice in Public Health, served as foundational statements for the document. We then posted the draft statement for public input and received thoughtful comments in response. The statement was finalized in January 2018.
Here at TEX, we are already using the statement as part of our project launch process to set expectations and guide conduct for TEX-supported collaborations. In addition, the statement is an expression of TEX’s goal to inspire the larger scientific community and encourage strong collaboration between communities and scientists. We hope these principles will provide value wherever community science is pursued.
Reflections from a few of the devoted Advisory Board members who helped conceive and develop the statement:
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[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_2third_end]”In an era of suspicion and blame, this statement shines a light on how science and scientists can contribute to the greater good at a local level. This statement is like a steady hand on the tiller of a boat navigating the turbulent seas of current American politics. It serves as a model for how we can all work across individual and group differences to address pressing local problems.” – TEX Advisory Board member Susan Jasko[/ezcol_2third_end]
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[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_2third_end]“When community engagement and participation is becoming popularized, it is important to understand what it means to have partnership in engagement and standards that can be referenced not only as essential but as foundational to the work of discovery and problem solving. The statement on integrity is such a guideline which is not static but will continue to grow as it is informed by more just and viable ways of doing science.” – TEX Advisory Board member Kristina Peterson[/ezcol_2third_end]
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[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_2third_end]“Science plays an incredible role in our understanding of our world and its place in the cosmos. It is the framework for the advancement of humankind. But when we make science relevant to everyone, we dramatically expand society’s ability to look at awe not only in who we are, but what we can be. There is greatness among us. Infusing science into the daily lives of everyone with passion and integrity will help us find that greatness, lift it up, and let it shine upon the world. This can be our greatest achievement; this can be our lasting legacy.” – TEX Advisory Board member Michael Burns[/ezcol_2third_end]
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[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_2third_end]“In TEX’s Statement of Integrity in community science, I find both a declaration of dependence and a reorientation of priorities.” – TEX Advisory Board member Mahmud Farooque[/ezcol_2third_end]
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[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_2third_end]“The scientific community can be a key contributor to addressing critical issues facing our communities. The TEX Statement on Integrity in Community Science provides AGU members and the larger scientific community a path and guidance on how best to create constructive engagement between communities and scientists, leading to a better and more resilient world for all.” – TEX Advisory Board member Michael Kleeman[/ezcol_2third_end]
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[/ezcol_1third] [ezcol_2third_end]”The leadership in Broward County, Fla. has long prioritized the integration of science and use of data to guide environmental policies and management decisions. We have gained great advantage in working with diverse academic partners and scientists who have shared technical expertise and resources to support community-based decision-making and public policy … The TEX Statement on Integrity in Community Science embodies the quality of the collaboration, the nature of the shared commitments, and the joint community and scientific values that have characterized Broward County’s relationship with our valued academic partners. Broward County’s access to and use of sound science and regionally relevant scientific information has given rigor to our planning and investment decisions. Through the efforts of TEX, large and small communities have the ability to gain similar benefit and reward from relationships with local scientists eager to more directly serve our communities.” – TEX Advisory Board member Jennifer Jurado[/ezcol_2third_end]
