Monsanto’s Commitment to the Scientific Process and Data Transparency
Good science is a fundamental principle for Monsanto. Not only is practicing good science the right thing to do, but it’s also the safest, most efficient, and most credible way to bring breakthrough products and technologies to market. When our scientists research and develop new products, they’re not following an ideology specific to Monsanto; they’re basing their findings on a set of principles that has driven the scientific community throughout history. It’s the same set of principles that led humans to harness electricity, identify life-saving drugs like penicillin, and even develop the internet.
The Scientific Method
The first time most people come in contact with the scientific method is as school-age children, when they’re taught that science is a defined process. While some students grow up to join STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math), innovators in many fields depend upon the scientific method to bring new ideas and technologies to life. Many industries depend upon it to evaluate each other’s work and ensure that all research yields valid and dependable results.
- Ask a question or make an observation
- Gather background information and perform appropriate research
- Develop a hypothesis
- Test by performing an experiment or doing research
- Analyze the results
- Draw a conclusion
- Repeat, and continue to learn by performing further experiments
Beyond following the basic principles of the scientific method, we have our own requirements that allow us to be reproducible and credible in our particular line of work. Some of these efforts include internal process checks, a dedicated quality assurance team, external data reviews, and peer review practices.
The Scientific Method
The first time most people come in contact with the scientific method is as school-age children, when they’re taught that science is a defined process. While some students grow up to join STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, and math), innovators in many fields depend upon the scientific method to bring new ideas and technologies to life. Many industries depend upon it to evaluate each other’s work and ensure that all research yields valid and dependable results.
- Ask a question or make an observation
- Gather background information and perform appropriate research
- Develop a hypothesis
- Test by performing an experiment or doing research
- Analyze the results
- Draw a conclusion
- Repeat, and continue to learn by performing further experiments
Beyond following the basic principles of the scientific method, we have our own requirements that allow us to be reproducible and credible in our particular line of work. Some of these efforts include internal process checks, a dedicated quality assurance team, external data reviews, and peer review practices.
Transparency
We strive to share as much information as possible about research and development, products, and technologies. Transparency and an adherence to the scientific method are the most consistent ways to bring products to market that consumers can trust.
Submissions and Publications
In order for us to commercialize our products, global regulatory bodies demand adherence to strict data requirements.
For Genetically Modified (GM) Crops, summaries of our research data and global regulatory submission & approval documents are available on our website. You can also view global approvals for commercialized GM crops, provided by the International Service for the Acquisition of Agri-Biotech Applications.
For our crop protection products, research publications and regulatory approval documents are available on our website.
Additionally, for all of our products, we publish our original research data and scholarly reviews on our site as well.
Annual and Sustainability Reports
We send yearly reports to our investors on our financial health and progress toward sustainability goals. We’ve made commitments toward sustainability as a company, and we remain accountable by tracking our progress and sharing that data publicly.
Product Safety Reports
Every product and technology is thoroughly vetted for safety with the principles of good science. Available product safety information can be found here.
The Importance of Independent Reviews
Reviews are key to ensuring integrity and the reproducibility of studies. At Monsanto, we practice peer review internally, and our data is independently reviewed by outside agencies—a requirement for EPA and FDA approval. These processes ensure that the conclusion that was reached during our research can be reached by our peers as well. Poorly done studies have the potential to affect global perception on credibility, and it’s our job to ensure that all data we release is clear and correct.
The Importance of Independent Reviews
Reviews are key to ensuring integrity and the reproducibility of studies. At Monsanto, we practice peer review internally, and our data is independently reviewed by outside agencies—a requirement for EPA and FDA approval. These processes ensure that the conclusion that was reached during our research can be reached by our peers as well. Poorly done studies have the potential to affect global perception on credibility, and it’s our job to ensure that all data we release is clear and correct.