China

The country’s lead in high-quality research looks set to shape the direction of world science.

Self-reliance and a wish to set the agenda might explain concerted push to produce domestic journals.

With a view to increase its prestige and influence in global science, the country is investing heavily in major facilities.

Data from the Nature Index suggest changing make-up of international partnerships.

Scholarships and soft power among reasons for increasing numbers, but graduates return with mixed reviews.

Strengths in chemistry and the physical sciences have propelled the country to the top of the Nature Index. But there is untapped potential in other subject areas.

A description of the terminology and methodology used in this supplement, and a guide to the functionality that is available free online at natureindex.com.

Dairy scientists across China are partnering with industry to boost the quality of yoghurt, cheese, milk and other products — and also ramp up sustainable production.

Large-scale, long-term studies have looked at the effect of multivitamin supplements on malnutrition.

Bioengineering and synthetic biology are finding ample applications in the hunt for useful compounds within the catalogues of Chinese herbal medicine.

Having quadrupled international collaborations in six years, Zhengzhou University is now seeking to bring leading international academics to central China.