Organizers of the State Science and Technology Awards changed the rules for one prize this year to prevent potential corruption.

Scientists were barred from nominating themselves for the Natural Science Award, a category that recognizes major breakthroughs in fundamental research. Instead, candidates had to be nominated by peers who were not allowed to remain anonymous, according to the awards committee.

The move is a pilot to prevent corruption and to ensure authenticity in the voting process, according to a committee official who cannot be named due to the committee's media regulations.