Chinese minister criticizes misuse of research funding

BEIJING - The Chinese Minister of Science and Technology on Friday expressed anger after recent cases of embezzlement and other misuse of scientific research funds.

"I was very furious, distressed and shocked by academic corruption. All the money is from taxpayers and therefore we should never tolerate violations," Minister Wan Gang told a press conference.

Amid a flurry of similar cases, Meng Jiangtao, formerly of the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, was sentenced in July to 10 years in jail for embezzling about 2.6 million yuan ($425,010).

Wan said top priority has been given to reform the management of research funds as the country has increased expenditure on scientific research and development (R&D).

In recent years, China's gross spending on R&D has seen an annual growth of over 20 percent. It topped one trillion yuan in 2012, a 17.9-percent increase year on year.

"The key to regulating the use of research funds is to boost information transparency," according to Wan.

A digital platform will be set up by the end of the year to provide information about approved scientific research projects, including the use of public funds and research findings, he added.

"Both administrative staff and researchers should be held responsible for use of taxpayers' money and be open to public supervision to ensure that research funds are being used in a more efficient way," Wan said.