China recently published its first book that systematically introduces research evaluation, which will serve as a guideline for better scientific research management and decision-making.

The book, Science and Technology Evaluation: Method and Practice, was compiled by the National Center for Science and Technology Evaluation and the China Association of Science and Technology Evaluation and Management of Scientific and Technical Achievement.

Research evaluation is a process carried out to assess the merit of time, budget, policies, efforts and resources spent to achieve a certain research performance. Han Jun, deputy chief evaluator of the National Center for Science and Technology Evaluation, said such a process can help improve accountability and management of scientific activities.

It also plays an important role in overall science and technology development and supports China’s strategy to build an innovation-driven country, he added.

Han said compared with developed countries, China's evaluation methods and tools, as well as its professionalism, influence and regulations of research evaluation institutions, still need improvement, but the country in recent years has seen continuous growth of research evaluation organizations and practitioners.

However, in general they lack norms and standards in their practice and there were no professional works that could provide systematic guidance for their work, he said, adding that it was one of the reasons that prompted them to start compiling the book.

The compilation team summarized the center's past 20 years of typical cases and practices and completed the book after extensively referring to domestic and foreign relevant literature, Han said.

Li Meng, vice-minister of science and technology, said the book "systematically summarizes past successful experiences in evaluation work. It provides guidance and reference for science and technology evaluation work, but still needs to be continuously improved in future practice."