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India's dominance continues in this region, but its future funding is tenuous, while neighbouring smaller countries face more fundamental obstacles to scientific success.
While remaining strong in chemistry and physical sciences, buoyed by China's growing contribution, the region embarks on collaborations that could extend its reach.
The Nature Index 2015 Asia-Pacific reveals strong overall results from the traditional science leaders in this region. In addition, some smaller countries excel in specific areas.
Space-travel success inspires the growing science and technology community, but financial difficulties create obstacles and industry is being called upon to take up more of the financial burden.
Reforms are underway to make best use of tight research budgets, but it remains unclear if changes will address Japan's many challenges or further destabilize the deeply unsettled science powerhouse.
Working to build a 'creative economy', the country has boosted its significant science spending with researchers particularly focusing on nanotechnology, nuclear fusion and stem-cell research.
Amid sweeping funding cuts and an often hostile political environment, the country's science leaders look outward for multi-disciplinary collaboration and prepare to take the long-term strategic view.
Increased investment levels continue to signal China's intention of becoming a global research leader and structural reform has been implemented to encourage collaboration on the country's acute needs — such as clean energy.
Even Asia-Pacific's smaller players — notably Singapore, Taiwan and New Zealand — work to improve their scientific and technical capabilities, while several tiny nations in the region are beginning to shine.
Asia-Pacific's leading institutions for high–quality science, ordered by weighted fractional count (WFC) for 2014. Also shown are the total number of articles, and the change in WFC from 2013. Articles are from the 68 natural science journals that comprise the Nature Index (see A guide to the Nature Index, page S75).
Shenzhen, a former fishing village, is something of a miracle in China's scientific development. It has become a dominant force in genomics, proteomics and bioinformatics, and is now heading for new frontiers.
Wuhan is the booming capital of the eastern inland province of Hubei. The city is investing heavily in research and development and has become China's 'optics valley'.
Hefei has kept a low profile for many years. However, as the University of Science and Technology of China continues to break new ground in the physical sciences, the city is moving into the global spotlight.
Changchun has traditionally been a manufacturing centre, producing goods ranging from cars to processed food. In line with China's growth and reform, the city is diversifying its economy by leveraging its research base.
Hangzhou, a tourist hotspot best known for its historical relics and natural scenery, has long been a source of inspiration for Chinese artists. Today the city is home to a new generation working at the intersection of science and e-commerce.
By 2013 weighted fractional count, China is the second leading country for high-quality science output. Where that research takes place, and who China collaborates with, are shown below.
