The Chinese Academy of Sciences on Thursday said it had withdrawn a doctorate degree from a 2006 graduate student who was found to have faked data in a published research paper.

 

The academy released results from its academic degree evaluation committee showing 5,592 students with doctorate or master degrees. Credentials for 14 postgraduate students have been delayed because they were considered unqualified in several areas.

 

A graduate surnamed Huang published a paper in a leading overseas publication in 2006 largely based on her doctoral thesis. However, a scientist at a research center in Shanghai checked the data in her paper and found it had been faked.

 

Huang's mentor wrote to the chief editor of the foreign periodical and requested the paper be withdrawn on March 15.

 

The case was confirmed by a specific investigation team made up of several experts.

 

"Such behavior has greatly marred the reputation of Chinese Academy of Sciences", said an official from graduate school of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

 

The source said 45 members of the academy's academic degree evaluation committee discussed the incident and unanimously agreed to withdraw Huang's doctorate degree and diploma.

 

It has also emerged a case study of general education will become a compulsory course at the Chinese Academy of Sciences from this September, as a way to prevent such problems from recurring.

 

Members of China's leading scientific body also want the students to strengthen their education about laws, regulations and academic morals.

 

(CRI July 14, 2007)