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China to check research fraud

System to record scientists' conduct

BEIJING: China will set up a credibility evaluation system for scientists to curb the repeated frauds in the academic circle, said Minister of Science and Technology Xu Guanhua here on Tuesday.

At a meeting of China's top advisory body, Mr. Xu said China will improve the evaluation organisations in the academic circle and establish archives to record the scientists' mistakes and violation of regulations.

The evaluation in the academic circle should be authoritative and strict, Mr. Xu said in a report delivered at a meeting of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference National Committee.

China will record and evaluate the credibility of the research organs, which apply for national scientific funds, Mr. Xu said. Those scientists or research organisations, which lose credibility will be warned and made public, Mr. Xu said. He stressed that it is an important task for the academic circle to combat scientific fraud and misconduct. ``Although the number of scientific frauds is still small, its harm on China's scientific progress cannot be underestimated,'' Mr. Xu said.

The ministry will reform its evaluation and awarding system, improve administration on experts and strengthen supervision on the use of scientific funds to systematically curb the scientific misconduct.

According to Mr. Xu, China's investment in science and technology will reach 71.6 billion yuan in 2006, up 19.2 per cent over that in 2005. The scientific investment will be doubled in provinces.

``The figure is very exciting,'' said Mr. Xu, adding that an environment encouraging creativity and innovation is coming into being. — Xinhua

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