Cited papers outdated way to evaluate researchers - Opinion - Chinadaily.com.cn

"The Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Science and Technology have called for a more comprehensive evaluation system for science researchers, and specifically require universities and colleges to cancel direct bonuses for those who publish essays in Scientific Citation Index (SCI) journals.

That's a good move. In those top domestic universities, including the University of Science and Technology of China where I serve, the number of papers published in SCI journals has long lost importance. The top universities are more concerned with innovation and making breakthroughs.

The phenomenon of "SCI worship" exists more in the other universities, and the new guidance document is a good opportunity for them to improve. With the performance evaluation system changed, researchers serving in these universities will be encouraged to concentrate more on long-term studies instead of short-term papers...."