A senior professor has warned scientists against undermining the principles and purpose of China's highest research institution by harvesting grants rather than conducting genuine research.

Scientists at the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) would face stiff penalties if they are found to be seriously violating scientific ethics or even laws and regulations, said Lu Yongxiang, CAS president.

Some departments had too much power in approving projects leading to a lack of transparency, said Lu at the China Sciences and Humanities Forum.

Researchers' salaries were connected to their projects, encouraging some of them to become interested only in winning grants.

"Our academy has always opposed such conduct," said Lu, acknowledging its existence in some fields. "There's no room for it in our academy.

"We support leading scientists who make concrete and crucial contributions to the innovation of science and technology," Lu said.

He said the academy should cultivate a spirit of inquiry, an ethical culture and an ethos of precision, truth and real work.

Senior scientists should advise, help and support young scientists, instead of using their junior colleagues to do research for their own reputation and benefit.

Lu said CAS management must be democratic and transparent, and that scrutiny and criticism within the academy and media were important.

He said a lack of transparency and scientific method in the evaluation system, resource shortages, unreasonable allocation and exorbitant competition had contributed to bad practice.

Students had fewer opportunities to participate in research projects at universities and graduate schools, and could be exploited as cheap labor in laboratories.

Higher education should address personality development, cultivate a spirit of inquiry and involve students in more research projects at school, Lu said.

The China Sciences and Humanities Forum was initiated three years ago by Lu and Zheng Bijian, China's leading science strategist. The forum hosts Chinese and foreign leaders, as well as scholars and experts.

(Xinhua News Agency April 17, 2006)