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Opinion: Science research needs more attention
( 2002-02-07 12:01 ) (1 )

Honouring the best scientific minds in the country is certainly part of the State's efforts to push ahead its rejuvenation strategy through science and education, but this is not enough.

Last week, more than 2,000 outstanding scientists received State awards, including a hefty 5 million yuan (US$60.75 million) State Pre-eminent Science and Technology Award, in Beijing.

The grandness of the award ceremony demonstrates the official recognition of not only the winners' remarkable achievements but also the growing prestige of scientists in the country.

However, while seizing the chance to set role models for followers within scientific circles and youths nationwide, it is of equal importance for the State to review tasks in scientific research that are currently uncompleted.

It is the fourth consecutive year that the first prize for both the State Natural Science Award and the State Technological Invention Award have not been given out.

Strict adherence to world-level standards for judging scientific achievements might be one reason why the decision is a difficult one to make.

The first prize is set-up to award scientific breakthroughs and key inventions that can greatly benefit society or bring hefty economic returns.

Though the government has intensified its support for scientific development during the past two decades, Chinese scientists have failed to achieve decisive innovative goals in basic science and basic application research.

Admittedly, critics do have a point when placing the blame on researchers who are pursuing quick success and instant benefits.

But a combination of insufficient input and a lack of effective incentive mechanisms is surely the main underlying reason.

As the largest contributor to the country's investment in scientific research and development (R&D), China's key industrial enterprises still spend only about 0.7 per cent of their sales income on this aspect, far below the 2.5-4 per cent level spent in major developed countries.

In the era of globalization, it is clear to the State and domestic enterprises as well that competitiveness, to a large extent, stems from scientific progress and technological innovation.

Rewarding excellent scientists, therefore, should come along with increased input in scientific R&D.