Academicians told to stay in lane by new code

Academicians at the Chinese Academy of Sciences have been banned from publicly expressing academic opinions unrelated to their own field of expertise, according to a recently updated regulation.

In early August, the CAS, one of China's two elite science and technology bodies, quietly released its newest code of conduct for its academicians, which was published on the institute's website.

It's the first amendment of the regulations for top scientists in the past nine years.

Academician is the highest title bestowed on scientists in China.

The new code of conduct has six chapters with 33 detailed requirements, and a new chapter that lists a series of banned behaviors.

The code prohibits academicians from participating in any activity using the title of academician, apart from activities organized by CAS, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, and their academic divisions as well as academic associations and academic journals.

CAS academicians are also banned from attending social activities such as dinner parties or banquets organized to broker business deals, and they cannot engage in the establishment of nonacademic venues named after academicians, according to the code.

In the first chapter of general principles, the code requires academicians to "track and judge the developing trend of science and technology and play an academic leading role" and to take the initiative in "key core technologies and industrial development".

In terms of part-time work, the code stipulates that academicians cannot seek "improper benefits" by using their titles. At the same time, the part-time work of academicians should be in line with their own energy and time.

If academicians are to engage in academic evaluation, consultation, teaching, academic exchanges and other activities related to their disciplinary fields based on their professional knowledge, they must be remunerated in accordance with relevant national standards and adhere to the principles of "confidentiality, fairness and impartiality", the code said.

The Chinese Academy of Engineering, the other elite science and technology body in the country, released its code of conduct for its academicians in 2020, which includes five chapters consisting of 26 detailed requirements.

The CAS has 823 Chinese and 128 overseas academicians, while the CAE has 914 Chinese and 110 overseas academicians.

jiangchenglong@chinadaily.com.cn