Scientific Integrity and Ethics in the Geosciences

Science is built on trust. The assumption is that scientists will conduct their work with integrity, honesty, and a strict adherence to scientific protocols. Written by geoscientists for geoscientists, Scientific Integrity and Ethics in the Geosciences acquaints readers with the fundamental principles of scientific ethics and shows how they apply to everyday work in the classroom, laboratory, and field. Resources are provided throughout to help discuss and implement principles of scientific integrity and ethics.

Volume highlights include:

• Examples of international and national codes and policies
• Exploration of the role of professional societies in scientific integrity and ethics
• References to scientific integrity and ethics in publications and research data
• Discussion of science integrity, ethics, and geoethics in education
• Extensive coverage of data applications

Scientific Integrity and Ethics in the Geosciences is a valuable resource for students, faculty, instructors, and scientists in the geosciences and beyond. It is also useful for geoscientists working in industry, government, and policymaking.

Read an interview with the editors to find out more:
https://eos.org/editors-vox/ethics-crucial-for-the-future-of-the-geosciences

Linda C. Gundersen is a Scientist Emeritus at the U.S. Geological Survey, having spent 34 years there as a research scientist, program manager, and senior executive. The first half of her career focused on conducting and managing research projects in geochemistry, ore deposits, and interdisciplinary studies of radionuclides in rocks, soils, and water; eventually assessing the geologic radon potential of the United States.  She received numerous grants from DOE and EPA and worked with diverse partners in the health and geological science communities. From 1995-98, she served as a program manager for both the Energy Resources Program and Mineral Resources Program. She served as the only geologist on the National Academy of Sciences Committee on Risk Assessment of Exposure to Radon in Drinking Water from 1997-1999. In 1998, she became a senior executive and the Associate Chief Geologist for Operations. In 2001, she was appointed the Chief Scientist for Geology overseeing $260M in research programs encompassing the Earthquakes, Volcanoes, Landslides, Coastal and Marine Geology, National Geologic Mapping, Energy and Mineral Resources, and Global Climate Change programs. She served in that capacity for 10 years before becoming the first Director of the Office of Science Quality and Integrity where she established and directed scientific integrity, ethics, education, career development, publication quality, research excellence, and other programs across the USGS. Her academic background includes undergraduate and graduate work in structural geology and geochemistry at the State University of New York at Stony Brook and at the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has received the DOI Superior, Meritorious, and Distinguished Service Awards, the Unit of Excellence Award, the Secretary of the Interior's Bronze Executive Leadership Award, and is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America. She has published over 75 papers and presented over 200 talks in the fields of geology, geoinformatics, science management, and scientific integrity.