"Smithsonian Will Tighten Its Guidelines on Disclosure"

"The Smithsonian Institution said Friday it would adopt tighter procedures to govern conflicts of interest involving its researchers, the latest development in a widening national discussion of scientific integrity.

Details are still being worked out, but the Smithsonian said the new guidelines would seek to prevent outside funders, such as corporations, from exercising undue influence over the findings of its studies. The guidelines are also likely to require strict disclosure of funding sources, going beyond the requirements of most other academic institutions and scientific journals, the Smithsonian said.

“We’re pleased that we have an opportunity to get out front and review our policies, and hopefully become a leader on this issue,” W. John Kress, the acting under secretary for science at the Smithsonian, said.

The announcement follows a public controversy involving Wei-Hock Soon, a Smithsonian researcher known for publishing studies attacking the mainstream scientific consensus about climate change."

Justin Gillis reports for the New York Times June 26, 2015.