Federal Science Agencies Push for Automation, Public Data Sharing, and AI Under New Gold Standard Mandate

Automation and Data Sharing in Federal Science Initiatives

The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) issued new guidance to Federal agencies focused on advancing “gold standard science” as outlined in the Trump administration’s executive order. Key elements include automation, public data repositories, standardized metadata, and interoperable data-sharing platforms to enhance transparency and reproducibility.

OSTP Director Michael Kratsios delivered the memo on June 23, emphasizing the need to ensure science is free from political manipulation. The guidance targets science initiatives related to national security and energy innovation, encouraging cross-disciplinary collaboration and rigorous scrutiny.

“In an age of rapid technological progress and heightened public scrutiny, federally-funded and federally-performed science, and its use in Federal decision-making, must be beyond reproach,” the memo states. Agencies are urged to deposit raw data and code in publicly accessible repositories to facilitate reproducibility. Grant applications must now include data sharing plans, and metadata formats and data-sharing platforms should be standardized across agencies.

The memo also highlights the importance of promoting team science through clear collaboration protocols such as shared digital workspaces, interoperable software, and tools that support communication and data integration.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence (AI) is positioned as a key enabler of gold standard science. OSTP encourages agencies to leverage AI and other advanced technologies to reduce administrative burdens and enhance scientific rigor.

Recommended AI applications include:

• Validating reproducible protocols
• Standardizing transparent data reporting
• Quantifying uncertainty
• Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration
• Detecting biases in peer and merit review
• Managing conflict-of-interest disclosures

Integrating these technologies aims to optimize compliance efficiency and reduce overhead, allowing researchers to focus more on discovery and less on administrative tasks. This approach is expected to boost the credibility and impact of federally funded research.

Federal agencies must submit implementation plans to OSTP within 60 days, outlining how they will adopt these recommendations.

Concerns Over Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

When introducing the gold standard science concept in May, Kratsios highlighted concerns about diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives in scientific fields. He described DEI efforts as posing a threat to the diversity of thought foundational to science.

This perspective aligns with previous actions by the Trump administration aimed at rolling back DEI policies through executive orders and directives issued by the Department of Government Efficiency.

These developments signal a shift in how Federal science initiatives balance inclusivity with the administration’s focus on objectivity and reproducibility.

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