China to promote scientist spirit of new era

BEIJING — China has launched a campaign to promote scientist spirit and improve the conduct and ethics of the science community, according to a document made public on June 11.

The document, jointly issued by the General Offices of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council, called on Chinese scientists to live up to the scientist spirit of the new era, which requires them to be patriotic, innovative, dedicated and cooperative, keep pursuing the scientific truth and stay ready to help younger generations.

Scientists were urged to focus on globally advanced technologies and those that have impact on the national economy, serve major strategic needs of the country and shoulder the responsibilities in solving major bottlenecks facing the country.

The document called for efforts to strengthen science ethics, promote good academic conduct and create a healthy environment for scientific research.

It called on the scientists to take a democratic approach and adhere to honesty and integrity as the bottom-line in their research, noting that they should oppose practices of bragging, exaggerating and factionalism in relevant circles.

The document further said the government needs to transform its functions to build a sound ecology for scientific research and greater efforts should be made to promote the scientist spirit of the new era among the public.

It pledged to fully implement the reform measures within one year and bring material improvements to the conduct and ethics of the science community in three years.