Research integrity: Perspectives from China and the United States

Abstract

Both China and the USA recognize the critical role of research integrity in sustaining a productive research enterprise. Both countries have also experienced public backlash to reports of researcher misconduct, prompting a greater government response, with its mix of regulation and funding incentives and a commitment to changing the research culturethrough greater emphasis on education. China faces special challenges in remaking a research funding system marked by a climate of pervasive corruption and personal favoritism. As it breaks from its recent past, China must find ways to alter a culture of scholarship still influenced by its unique history and that affects vast numbers of students and faculty.China is increasing its investment in response to these challenges but in several respectsis still playing catch-up with the West. In the USA, the challenges are also formidable. There is a research culture that puts undue pressure on scientists to produce breakthrough research, a need for government oversight that is not unduly intrusive but nevertheless consistent with public demands for accountability, and a need for rigor in designing effective educational approaches to help bring about the cultural change needed.