President Orders Less Secrecy on Government Research Data

In a policy statement long awaited by scientists, President Reagan told federal agencies that information resulting from government-financed research should be unrestricted “to the maximum extent possible.”

The White House said that the guidelines, announced Friday, were intended to address “a widespread concern that efforts to reduce the flow of sensitive technologies to potential adversaries could restrain free and open exchange of fundamental scientific information.”

The key element of the new policy appeared to be a requirement that federal agencies adhere to national security classification rules in limiting access or participation in sponsored research.

Reagan ordered each agency to determine whether classification is appropriate prior to the award of research grants and, if so, to take that action. In addition, he authorized periodic reviews of all research grants for potential classification.

“No restrictions may be placed upon the conduct or reporting of federally funded fundamental research that has not received national security classification,” the policy states, “except as provided in applicable U.S. statutes.”

The language appeared designed to clear up some gray areas in placing limits on research, including use of the stamp “sensitive”--a label not authorized by national security classification rules--to deny foreign nationals access to certain research.

Administration attempts to maintain tighter control over government-sponsored research--justified as an effort to prevent sensitive technology from falling into the hands of the Soviet Union and other U.S. adversaries--has provoked an outcry from scientists.