Top scientist lambastes scientific misconduct
(Xinhua)
Updated: 2006-06-02 22:32
One of China's most influential scientists said Friday that scientists who
falsify their work should be seriously punished by the Chinese scientific
community.
Lu Yongxiang, president of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), said in an
interview with Xinhua, that scientists need to be more self-disciplined to curb
scientific misconduct, which occurred more frequently after China adopted the
market-oriented economy.
"Ethics education, checks and balances, and outside supervision are necessary
to cure the disease," said Lu, who also chairs the presidium of CAS academic
divisions, the CAS's top governing body.
Although nationwide science advancement associations and many leading
research entities have drafted regulations to combat plagiarism or falsification
of research data, Lu said, the scientific community lacks effective checks and
punishment for violators.
Lu blamed dishonest, fickle and inappropriate distribution of public funding
for research for deteriorating ethical standards of scientists.
In 1996, the CAS and the Chinese Academy of Engineering each established
ethics committees. In 2001, the CAS issued the CAS member codes for
self-discipline. In early 2005, the CAS also specified how to deal with
scientific misconduct of CAS members.
"Proven scientific misconduct and corruption among CAS members will be
earnestly punished," Lu said.
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