It is the public, the citizens and the taxpayers of this country, who support our goals and, who with its money, support science. The NIH is a steward of this public money and has, therefore, a deep obligation to protect the public investment in science. This means that we must work, with many partners, to develop policies that assure the ethical conduct of research and to remain vigilant so that the policies are followed. There is a very real distinction. Objectivity is a broad term.
Objectivity lies at the heart of science.
It must not be compromised by financial considerations. Nor in the pursuit of fame. Nor for the desire to produce an important insight into the processes of life. If anything historically has been a threat to objectivity, it has been these items. In some measure, such pursuits and desires are always present in scientists, perhaps in all of us, and in moderation, may be absolutely essential to inspire us.