China is not the only country facing a glut of low-impact papers in scientific journals (Nature 467, 252; 2010). Shutting down journals will not help (Nature 467, 261; 2010), as the papers will inevitably resurface elsewhere. As many have pointed out, it is the incentives responsible for the glut that need to change.

What is required is a new academic culture that rewards quality over quantity, an idea whose time has finally come. For example, Germany's main research foundation, the DFG, recently ruled that a maximum of only five papers should be listed in any grant application; compare this with the 10 papers allowed in applications to the US National Science Foundation.

More universities and colleges could limit the number of publications permitted when applying for tenure or promotion. Researchers would then be able to focus their efforts on publishing articles only when there is something substantial to report.