Rule on papers puts China's PhDs at risk

摘要

To help counter the overemphasis on quantity rather than quality of research publications in China (Nature 475,267; 2011), many Chinese universities require their PhD candidates to publish a specified number of papers in high-impact journals before they are awarded their degree. Although laudable in principle, this requirement puts even more pressure on students. If that is compounded by inadequate guidance and support from mentors, it will encourage more scientific fraud and hamper the development of junior scientists in the lone run.