China has put increased focus on scientific development in recent years, but the country is still seeking solutions on how to improve its evaluation system.
In western countries, the assessment of scientific projects and personnel are usually done by peer review, by independent scientists themselves managed by independent professional facilitators. But the system has not been well established in China.
Instead, the government and the management of research institutions themselves carry out the evaluation. This can lead to fraud and corruption, caused by a lack of independence and conflicts of interest due to close links between the two sides.
Some criteria the authorities use are controversial. For example, to evaluate researchers in both basic and applied science by the number of papers they publish does not motivate the researchers to develop practical techniques or commercially viable products.
However, the Chinese government has pledged to make changes to the current evaluation situation. Wang Gang, Chinese Minister of Science and Technology, said a committee of senior experts will be formed to carry out appraisals before each major scientific project is launched. In addition, professional agents will be hired to manage each project, instead of government and supervisors of science and technology managing the programs themselves.
