The Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) announced earlier this month that it will invest $244 million in 64 projects in protein research, quantum technology, nanotechnology, development and reproductive biology, stem cells, and Earth science. The funding is part of the sixth year of MOST’s National Major Scientific Research Program, which invested $160 million last year. Despite over 50% more funds this year, projects will still likely require other funding sources, as the amount will be spread over five years and split among research partners. China’s major funding programs often lead to scientists slighting actual research in favor of attempting to secure financing by generating reports and budgets, according to the Institute of Health Sciences in Shanghai’s Shi Yufang. MOST’s other significant funding programs are the National Basic Research Program and the National High-Tech R&D program. The combined budget for the three programs in 2009 was $1.3 billion.

Source: Nature