2020-03-12_Beijing_Review

http://www.bjreview.com MARCH 12, 2020 BEIJING REVIEW 47

LI SHIGONG

FORUM

Copyedited by Rebeca Toledo

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on graduates as a precondition for gradua-
tion and degree awarding.
These are all efforts to curb the domi-
nance of SCI, but not to totally deny it.
University professors should be allowed
to concentrate on their research and
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environment. Thus a proper guiding prin-
ciple is crucial. On the one hand, science
researchers should be encouraged to
publish high-quality and inspiring theses
in SCI journals in order to boost China’s
academic prominence in the international
academic world. On the other hand, the
academic evaluation system should stop
overemphasizing SCI theses and pay more
attention to researchers’ performance
in their daily work. Meanwhile, exploring
a better evaluation system should never
stop.

Only by pursuing a rational academic

evaluation system can we expect science

staff and universities to fully tap into their po-

tential to propel the country’s overall science

and university teaching forward.

More open system needed

Bao Nan (Beijing Daily): For many years,

the Chinese academic community has

used SCI as the only evaluation yardstick,

creating an increasing problem. SCI is an

authoritative evaluation index, but it’s not

the only barometer and should not be

used as the only reference. It’s ludicrous to

focus on the number of theses, citations

and impact factors, then turn a blind eye

to individuals’ actual performance in their

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With SCI elevated to a dominant sta-

tus, it’s possible for some people to act

unscrupulously to have their papers pub-

lished, even bringing about an underground

industrial chain. In this vicious cycle, those

who are devoted to scientific research and

teaching without too much time to write

papers are marginalized, while opportunists

get fame and promotions. This will inevitably

dent the fairness of academic evaluation and

the vitality and overall academic atmosphere

in China. In this sense, it’s high time to strip

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demic world.

It is important to set up a more rational

academic evaluation system which will help

to discover more talent and provide a boon

to the country. Q