Why China’s anti-corruption drive in academia is vital to its science and tech ambitions

In the run-up to this year’s ‘two sessions’ – the annual meetings of China’s top legislature and political advisory body – high-level policymakers have stressed the need to defuse financial risks and root out political corruption, two of President Xi Jinping’s long-term priorities. As part of a series, Dannie Peng looks at the fight against corruption in academia.

As science and technology become national priorities in China, Beijing has turned its sweeping corruption crackdown on academia, vowing to dismantle entrenched power at mainland universities amid questions over whether it can be fully eliminated.

A narrow funding pipeline, a highly centralised evaluation system and frequent overlap between administrative office and academic rank have all created a fertile ground for abuse in China, according to observers.

In recent months, the heads of several prominent mainland universities have been investigated for corruption, alongside “academic warlords” – senior scholars who hold high bureaucratic titles and control how research resources are allocated.

At a time when Beijing is doubling down on innovation to upgrade its economic structure and bolster its position in its tech competition with the West, systemic flaws in research governance carry mounting costs. Tackling misconduct in higher education has become an explicit political priority, as repeatedly highlighted in official statements.

Ahead of the gatherings, scientists have called for more institutionalised and effective mechanisms to curb abuses of power and foster a healthier research ecosystem.