Guide released for selection of academicians

China Association for Science and Technology lays out what is prohibited

The China Association for Science and Technology issued a notice on Tuesday, outlining certain situations that should be prohibited to ensure the "openness, fairness and justice" of the selection for academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

These situations include not recommending individuals with moral or academic misconduct, as well as prohibiting bribery and vote-buying.

CAST said in the notice that its purpose is to make sure the selection of academicians is not affected by non-academic factors, and to maintain the pure nature of the academicians' title — the highest academic title in China.

In late May, the CAE and CAS separately announced the start of the selection process for new academicians.

The last selection of the country's top academic institutions took place in 2021.

According to Science and Technology Daily, the CAST has been involved in the selection process for academicians of CAS and CAE since the 1990s.

Currently, there are two channels for nominating academician candidates, including nominations by existing academicians and recommendations by academic societies. The latter channel would be organized by CAST.

According to the CAST notice, individuals who have been disciplined for moral or academic misconduct, and violations of scientific ethics will not be allowed to be selected as academician candidates.

At the same time, candidates are required to ensure the authenticity of their selection materials and are prohibited from engaging in falsification, misappropriation of others' academic achievements, and similar behaviors.

Furthermore, the CAST stressed that candidates and their affiliated institutions are prohibited from engaging in lobbying, vote-buying, bribery, or obtaining information about the selection process through direct or indirect means.

The notice also requires judges and all relevant personnel involved in the selection process not to accept gifts or money from candidates or their institutions and to refrain from "improper interactions" and "exchanging interests".

Information concerning the discussion, evaluation and voting results of the candidates during the selection process is also not allowed to be leaked.

The notice said that any violation of these requirements will be met with punishment of various degrees.

Selection for academicians of CAS and CAE takes place every two years.

This year, CAS will select 79 new academicians mainly from various fields of study, such as mathematics, physics, quantum information and life sciences.

The CAE will select no more than 90 new academicians, prioritizing scientists working in key areas, including those of national importance, emerging disciplines and major national projects.

Both institutions emphasize on their websites that candidates for academicians must have "good character and upright academic conduct".