China's science departments, institutions and associations have agreed to unite in the fight against scientific fraud and misconduct.

At a conference involving the Ministry of Science and Technology, the Ministry of Education, the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Chinese Academy of Engineering, the National Natural Science Foundation of China and China Association for Science and Technology on Wednesday, Science and Technology Minister Xu Guanhua said China must reform the science system and stop scientific misconduct at its root.

"It is the common task of scientific circles to improve credibility of scientists. Science departments should strengthen cooperation to form an effective force," Xu said.

The departments would compile an ethics guide, and strengthen moral education in universities and research institutions, said Xu.

Following a string of academic scandals, China has stepped up efforts to curb rampant fraud and plagiarism

The China Association for Science and Technology last week published an ethical code for all members, prohibiting plagiarism, fraud and fabrication in research, seeking improper profits from research and the announcement of achievements in the media before findings are published in academic journals.

The Ministry of Science and Technology announced in January the establishment of a science ethics committee and a supervision office to stem academic fraud and plagiarism.

The Chinese Academy of Sciences put forward a set of new regulations last month to strengthen standards and establish an ethics committee to supervise research.

(Xinhua News Agency March 30, 2007)