The Ministry of Ecology and Environment ("MEE") has recently publicized the Administrative Measures for State Environmental Protection Key Laboratories (Revised) (the "Measures") and the drafting notes thereto from July 9 to July 18, 2020. Any entity or individual may raise any objection to the publicized content in the publicity period.
According to the Measures, the revised content includes: 1. supplementing the main purpose and tasks for building laboratories and strengthening the requirements for serving the key tasks of the MEE; 2. standardizing and appropriately simplifying the procedures for application and construction; 3. improving and standardizing the operating and managing requirements; and 4. adding annual reporting, periodic assessment and exit systems for key laboratories. Specifically, the Measures supplement the conditions for applying for being accredited as key laboratories, intensify the support of the supporting entities, simplify the working procedures and application materials, and clarify the corresponding measures for the adjustment to the construction plan, the postponement of acceptance inspection, and other circumstances. Meanwhile, the Measures elaborate the procedures for appointing laboratory directors and academic committees, and the requirements for appointment and replacement, etc., and add the content in respect of daily operation and management involving talents, funds, transformation of scientific and technological achievements, protection of intellectual property rights, popularization of science, and confidentiality.