China's science departments, institutions and associations have
agreed to unite in the fight against scientific fraud and
misconduct.
At a conference involving the Ministry of Science and
Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Chinese Academy of
Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the National Natural
Science Foundation of China and China Association for Science and
Technology on Wednesday, Science and Technology Minister Xu Guanhua
said China must reform the science system and stop scientific
misconduct at its root.
"It is the common task of scientific circles to improve
credibility of scientists. Science departments should strengthen
cooperation to form an effective force," Xu said.
The departments would compile an ethics guide, and strengthen
moral education in universities and research institutions, said
Xu.
Following a string of academic scandals, China has stepped up
efforts to curb rampant fraud and plagiarism
The China Association for Science and Technology last week
published an ethical code for all members, prohibiting plagiarism,
fraud and fabrication in research, seeking improper profits from
research and the announcement of achievements in the media before
findings are published in academic journals.
The Ministry of Science and Technology announced in January the
establishment of a science ethics committee and a supervision
office to stem academic fraud and plagiarism.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences put forward a set of new
regulations last month to strengthen standards and establish an
ethics committee to supervise research.
(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2007)