A recent circular on the reform of science and technology awards systems, issued by General Office of the State Council, stressed the sum of awards categories is reduced to no more than 300, adding that the proportion of awards on technological invention and natural science is increasing, and names of both nominees and referees would be released to the public.
The new reform was praised by an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Qian Qihu. He noted that the new incentives emphasized the importance of independent innovation and focused on the originality of scientific research, which in part presses researchers to concentrate on what they study, since at present the young folk are easily distracted by outlandish titles or projects, such as "Excellent Young Researchers" or the "Changjiang Scholars Program," a talent incentive scheme to attract, foster and promote leading talents in higher education.
As Qian wrote, if a project were done poorly, the new science and tech awards system would allow any shortcomings to be found out as all information would be recorded, including the name of the researcher and referee.
Those who do not follow the circular could be blacklisted in their social credit records, Qian suggested, adding that other punishments are feasible as well; for instance, they would not be able to have chances to travel with first-class seats on business or to apply for this award in three years.
Old Version
