Plant ecology in China

Abstract

Over the past decade, there has been a rapid increase in the numbers of research manuscripts from China published in international English language journals with a focus on plant ecology. This reflects the growing numbers of research and research-training institutions, the improved capacity of Chinese researchers to communicate their findings in English, and an expansion of international research collaborations. These trends may be partly attributable to more outward-looking government policies that recognize the broader economic, environmental and cultural values of international engagement, and policies that encourage talented scientists to stay in, or return to China, as well as the raised scientific prestige associated with publication of research in highly ranked international journals. With this increased international perspective, Chinese researchers are benefiting from greater access to plant ecological research in other parts of the world, while researchers from other parts of the world are discovering more about the plant ecology of China. Publication statistics suggest a trend of continued momentum from researchers in China to contribute to international journals related to plant ecology.