Think tank's membership rules amended

New rules to prevent corruption at China's top think tank mean higher government officials no longer will be nominated as candidates for the Chinese Academy of Sciences, an academic society known for its cutting-edge research projects.

Additionally, candidates' employers and their parent institutions will no longer be allowed to make recommendations. And incumbent academics who accept bribes in such elections will face disciplinary action, including possible dismissal.

The academy said on Saturday that 157 candidates were nominated for election this year and a preliminary review of the candidates had been completed. The academy elects new academics every two years. This year, there are 65 vacancies.