Tighten control over research funds

Chinese colleges have long been blamed for being bureaucracies, in which those with official titles have almost unlimited power. The higher the rank, the more research funds the person controls. All supervision mechanisms have proven in vain against power in this hierarchical system. To end college corruption it is necessary to get rid of the bureaucracy first.

Professor Yang Yusheng, a member of Ministry of Education Academic Morality Committee, caixin.com, Oct 11

Research burns money, it is not uncommon for one single program to involve over 100 million yuan ($16.3 million) nowadays. However, the management of research funds is still done the traditional way, with researchers paying the costs and then submitting a claim for reimbursement. As a result, financial staff often face piles of receipts, which are rather difficult to check. Why not introduce an electronic financial system to close this loophole?