context: China wants to take a leading role in scientific development and host more large-scale facilities for cutting edge research in astronomy, particle acceleration, nuclear fusion energy (ITER) and human genome research.
State Council's 'Notice on organising major international science and engineering projects' calls for researchers to
- make plans for international projects in areas like physical science, cosmic evolution, earth systems and interdisciplinary fields
- take local conditions into account and coordinate international projects with the 2030 megaprojects
- set up dedicated management mechanisms
- participate in major projects of other countries
The Notice calls for improving China's competitiveness and discourse power in science, technology and innovation by
- preparing three to five projects and launching one or two by 2020
- preparing six to ten projects and launching those that are ready by 2035
- launching more projects and realising international landmark results by mid-21st century
As the world's second largest economy, China is capable of building more extensive and larger scientific infrastructure, says Wang Chi 王赤 CAS National Space Science Centre director, noting that research facilities are increasingly important to cutting-edge science, including, for instance, research on gravitational waves. Such infrastructure attracts and trains scientists, adds Wang. For years CAS Astronomy has trained young talent through international projects, agrees Nie Suijian 薛随建 CAS National Observatory vice director.
But even today, China hosts no more than ten large scientific facilities, says Wang Yifang 王贻芳 CAS academician and leader of the Daya Bay Neutrino Experiment. Proposing projects that involve foreign scientists and that interest the state requires more experience, says Wang, advising scientists to participate in others' projects while organising their own and learning while doing. China already participates in a couple of international projects, but the lack of mandatory constraints means there are no strong commitments, says Wang Chi. Most collaborations are insubstantial, and there are issues with management, including checks on expenses and risk control, he adds.