Some Thoughts on Science-based Botanical Garden Establishment

Through analysis of the historical and present development of botanical gardens, both domestic and international, with particular focus on botanical garden practices within the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the authors propose that science-based botanical gardens (which differ from common public gardens), should be founded on plant diversity inventory and ex-situ conservation of wild plant species. Efforts should be directed to rarer species from biodiversity-rich areas and biodiversity hotspots, utilizing cutting-edge technologies to effectively preserve germplasm in living collections. Science-based botanical garden management should be directed by sound scientific evaluation of plant resources and guaranteed by innovative operational mechanisms. Science-based botanical gardens should also emphasize the establishment of identifiable and specialized living collections, research platforms and recruitment of qualified experts. In addition to curating living specimens, science-based botanical gardens should pursue research and development of new plant varieties or patents based on their plant collections, thus providing continual support to bio-industry.

Reflections on the Use of SSCI Papers in Evaluating Social Sciences Research in Chinese Universities

Purpose:This review demonstrates how to position Social Sciences Citation Index(SSCI)papers reasonably in order to promote the reform and development of the system for evaluating social sciences research(E-SSR)in China.Design/Approach/Methods:This review examines the contributions made by SSCI papers after such papers became a tool in the E-SSR system in Chinese universities,and the resultant issues.This review analyzes documents pertaining to the E-SSR systems of more than 50 world-class universities with consideration to the inherent characteristics and historical mission of social sciences research in China.The findings serve as the basis from which to examine the future trends in the reform of the E-SSR system in Chinese universities.Findings:The application of SSCI papers as an E-SSR tool is not common in world-class universities.To date,the reform of the E-SSR system in Chinese universities has involved:(i)establishing a pluralistic evaluation mechanism,with equal importance placed on SSCI papers and other research achievements;(ii)emphasizing the need for caution in using SSCI papers as an E-SSR tool and instituting distinct treatments for various disciplines;(iii)reducing the importance attached to journal language and ranking,while emphasizing innovation quality and practical contributions;and(iv)establishing China’s E-SSR standards in order to achieve an equilibrium between internationalization and localization.Originality/Value:This review argues that although SSCI papers constitute an indicator of E-SSR system,their importance must not be overstated.The main purpose of the E-SSR system is to facilitate the development of social sciences with a style and characteristics unique to China.