Is UCLA scientifically independent from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (DPH)? How will UCLA maintain scientific independence? What is the role of DPH and the Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC)? Who is on the SOC?

We are committed to maintaining its scientific independence throughout the Study. While funding for the Study was secured through a consent decree, we were awarded the contract to conduct the Study independently.

DPH has an administrative oversight role, tracking progress on the contracted scope of work, but it does not dictate our scientific decisions.

An independent Scientific Oversight Committee (SOC) comprising 15 experts oversees the study, providing valuable input, but the ultimate responsibility for scientific rigor lies with UCLA. We maintain open communication with DPH and a structured process for addressing disagreements with the SOC’s recommendations. We are required to submit a final report to DPH.

In addition, we will independently publish scientifically rigorous articles in peer-reviewed journals to ensure transparency.