Revised science awards to boost core innovation

China has updated its guidelines for the national science and technology awards with the aim of aligning innovation in the sector with major national strategies.

The revised guidelines, announced by the Ministry of Science and Technology on Monday, emphasize the need for the awards to focus on the global forefront of science and technology, key economic battlefields, major national needs, and public health and wellbeing — areas deemed critical to the country's development.

The awards aim to align with China's medium to long-term science and technology development plans and foster a deeper integration between scientific research and industrial innovation.

The changes also affect the evaluation criteria used in order to ensure that scientists and frontline technical workers are prioritized. This guarantees that the focus is on individuals who demonstrate creativity in fundamental research, applied basic research, significant breakthroughs in core technologies and those promoting new quality productive forces. This shift aims to contribute to China's self-reliance and strength in the field of science and technology.

For example, the State Preeminent Science and Technology Awards will now primarily recognize breakthroughs in key technological domains that address significant national needs. Candidates for these awards must demonstrate loyalty to the country, embody the spirit of scientists, and remain active in cutting-edge science and technology.

The guidelines also outline clear criteria and procedures to ensure that the most deserving individuals and projects are recognized. National science and technology awards will be conferred biennially. The State Preeminent Science and Technology Awards can be granted to a maximum of two individuals at a time, with the prize money increased to 8 million yuan ($1.12 million), all of which goes directly to the recipients.

The State Natural Science Awards, State Technological Invention Awards, and State Scientific and Technological Progress Awards combined will amount to fewer than 300 prizes. The International Science and Technology Cooperation Awards of the People's Republic of China will have a maximum of 10 prizes each time.

A strong emphasis has been placed on research integrity. Individuals who have violated ethical standards or have been involved in research misconduct are ineligible for nomination. The guidelines establish a nomination accountability framework, requiring nominators to verify the authenticity of materials and assess the morality and political stances of nominees.