China outstrips US in scientific studies

TOKYO: China has overtaken the US as the world leader in both scientific research output and “high impact” studies, according to a report published by Japan’s science and technology ministry.

The report, published by Japan’s National Institute of Science and Technology Policy, found China now publishes the highest number of scientific research papers yearly, followed by the US and Germany.

The report also found Chinese research comprised 27.2% of the world’s top 1% most frequently cited papers. The US accounted for 24.9% of the top 1% most highly cited research studies, while UK research was third at 5.5%.