Chinese university adopts country's first research misconduct policy

Brussels, 23 April 2002

Following calls by international scientists for research transparency at a recent conference in Shanghai, China, Beijing University, has adopted the country's first policy specifically to eradicate research misconduct.

The Chinese government has, for some time, attempted to tackle misconduct in the scientific community. The new policy goes beyond the issues of plagiarism, fabrication and falsification of research data to address much broader issues of scientific misconduct.

The new policy's definition includes 'intentionally exaggerating the academic value and economic and social results of a research finding; publishing results without appraisals from school authorities or other academic organisations [...] and disclosing research findings that should be kept confidential according to the country's laws and regulations.'

Following an agreement between the EU and China in December 1999, Chinese entities are able to participate in some parts of the Fifth Framework programme (FP5), whilst European entities are eligible to participate in all similar research and development activities in China in the corresponding scientific and technological fields.

For further information on research cooperation between the EU and China, please consult the following web address: http://www.cordis.lu/inco2/src/r-china. htm

CORDIS RTD-NEWS/© European Communities, 2001