China is looking to reform its sci-tech awards system, according to a plan released by the State Council.
The reform will focus on adjusting standards, improving quality and controlling the numbers of awards.
As part of the reforms, the number of awards for the three major categories of natural sciences, technological invention and sci-tech progress will be cut to under 300.
The change will be based on a reform in 1999, when the number was decreased to a maximum of 400 from 800 previously.
The objects of the awards will be changed from "citizens" to "individuals."
Each of the provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities will be allowed to set up one province-level sci-tech award, while cities with independent planning status, Dalian, Qingdao, Ningbo, Xiamen and Shenzhen, can also set up an award.
Moreover, the authorities will take a stronger hand against academic misconduct, and improve the credibility system for the awards, as the credibility records of participants and judges will be filed as a part of the system.
The transparency of the awards is also highlighted by the plan, with awarding policies, judging processes and specific number of awards to be made public.
A total of 47,183 awards for the three major categories have been awarded so far in China, while 27 scientists have been conferred the State Top Scientific and Technological Award since its establishment in 2000.
