By Xinhua
Beijing : China’s top legislature Saturday adopted an amendment to the Law on Science and Technology Progress that shows more tolerance of failures in scientific projects but brooks no fraud or manipulation of data.
The law, for the first time, allows scientists to report failures in innovative researches without harming their eligibility for future funding.
The amendment, which is to take effect July 1, 2008, was approved at the seven-day meeting of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) that ended Saturday.
Scientists and technicians, who can provide evidence that they have tried their best, will be tolerated if they fail to achieve their goals in high-risk researches, says the amended law.
“It is known to all that failure is the mother of success.” Li Yuan, an official of Law Committee of the NPC, said at a press conference after the adoption of the amendment. “It will help in creating a relaxed academic atmosphere enabling scientists and technicians to take scientific risks.”
A credit database will be established for scientists and technicians who participate in state-funded research projects. The data will act as important criteria for new funding.