The China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) on Friday published a moral code for all members in a bid to curb rampant fraud and misconduct.

"The code will help create a clean academic environment and promote scientific research and innovation in China," said Du Xiangwan, vice president of the Chinese Academy of Engineering.

The code forbids "plagiarism, fraud and fabrication in research, seeking improper economic profit from research and announcement of achievements in the media before findings are published in academic journals.

Scientists are also forbidden to take part in commercial adverts under the banner of "experts".

"Academic misconduct has damaged China's scientific development and blocked the progress of young researchers and hampered the national innovation drive," said Du.

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 (CAS) put forward a set of new regulations in February to strengthen scientific honesty and establish a science ethics committee to supervise scientific research.

(Xinhua News Agency March 24, 2007)