Story of the month presents China's performances on Chinese Academy of Science and Technology for Development's Country Innovation Report 2012. In science and technology, China's Chang'e-3 successfully conducted soft landing on the moon. Chinese ministry approves 4G licence. Chinese scientists upbeat on development of invisibility cloak. In education, China leads in university ranking for emerging countries. Students from Shanghai tops at global Program for International Student Assessment. Renmin University Admission Office head detained in corruption probe.

Story of the month features the institutional reform of Chinese Academy of Sciences. In science and technology, China plans to build a second Antarctic station; UC-Berkeley opens an engineering R&D center in Shanghai; Chinese “maker-space” boost innovation by offering cheap prototyping possibilities. In education, Chinese government continues talent incentives to attract overseas graduate home. In health, the decades long one-child-policy was further eased.

Story of the month covers Beijing's decision to lower the weighting of English in college entrance examination. In science and technology, the recent International Astronautic Congress in Beijing triggers discussion on China as a rising space power. Chinese government commits to better finance science development and better governs science fund. Chinese authorities push for better public understanding on genetically modified food. In education, Peking University's decision to fire an outspoken economist for poor teaching provoked controversy. In environment, Beijing announces emergency measures in heavy pollution days.

Story of the month covers the new round of government subsidy policy on electric vehicle purchase. In science, Chinese researchers have developed genetically modified rice plants that could yield up to 25% more grains than normal rice plants. New nano-technology could alleviate China's lake pollution. The development of industrial robots working in factories may revolutionize China's electronic manufacturing. China's ambitious space station plan is underlined again at the International Astronautical Congress in Beijing. In education, Duke University's China campus has finally been approved by the Ministry of Education; it is to be opened in 2014. MooC courses provided by Tsinghua University and Peking University will be launched online soon.

Story of the month covers the newly published Academic Ranking of World Universities 2013 (also known as Shanghai Jiaotong Ranking). In science and technology, study finds H7N9 virus “highly transmissible” through air, Daya Bay announced new research finding, and China will launch Chang'e 3 by the end of the year. In education, top universities in China receive complaints for gender discrimination in admission. Chinese universities seek more international students. The University of Applied Sciences Northern Switzerland partners with Heilongjiang Provincial Government to open a Swiss SME Research Center.

Story of the month covers briefly the status-quo of MOOCs in China. In education, the University of Macao will have a new campus in Chinese mainland and will be governed by Macau laws. Tsinghua University launches a global MBA program. University graduates experienced diploma call back as their president and party secretary who signed their diploma were both sacked. In science and technology, Sinoprobe project won global recognition. International Space Science Institute set up its first branch in Beijing. Chinese researchers find simple way to create stem cells. China signs world-leading astronomical project.

The roles and responsibilities of the newly created National Health and Family Planning Commission are published. In science and technology, China's Shenzhou 10 space mission is a great success. China's university-developed supercomputer regains No.1 ranking. Nature Publishing Index 2012 China saw rising importance of China in natural sciences and the top academic institutions. In education, Zhejiang University alumni voiced their opposition against the appointment of a new president. Chinese college graduates are experiencing the toughest job hunting year. College entrance examination provoked nationwide discussion on the unfair quota-based admission system again. Soochou University of China established China's first foreign campuses in Laos.

Chinese Ministry of Education publishes guidelines to support the development of universities in Western China in an effort to expand equal education opportunities. Top Chinese universities decided to join edX the world renowned MOOC platform to offer courses to the world netizens. Universities in China are required to increase quota reserved to admit rural students. Industrial leaders in China predicted huge potential in 3D printing sector in China. Ministry Science and Technology released long term development plan for large science facilities. Beijing Municipal government launched a pilot project to rent electric vehicles. Beidou GPS system is expanding its business portfolios through Asia.

Annual budgets of Chinese government bodies science and education. Chinese scientists reported the first experimental observation of the quantum anomalous hall effect. Chinese Academy of Sciences ranked top on AsiaPacific Nature Ranking. Chinese scientists have come up with a new method of weighing microscopic particles such as single atoms or protons, as well as cancer DNA, which could lead to early diagnoses of the disease education, a student at Fudan University was murdered by his fellow flat-mate with poison, triggering discussion on education system. Bizzar questions in independent tests ahead of college entrance examination raised questions on evaluation system. In health, Chinese government's reaction on H7N9 won positive feedback.

This month's newsletter starts with a review of the recent government power handover in China and its implications on science, education and innovation policy. In science and technology, the world's biggest player Suntech went bankrupt; China plans to put into use its fourth space launch center in two years. In education, the prestigious Peking University welcomes a new President. Top Chinese university might eliminate English as part of the entrance examination. MOOC in China is on the rise. In health, the newly created National Commission of Health and Family Planning is headed by Mrs. LI Bin. Massive amount of dead pigs were found in the river of Shanghai.

This month's newsletter starts with a background update on the new President of the Natural Science Foundation of China. In science and technology, China's own dark-matter exploration project Panda X is under the spotlight, China and Chile launched a joint astronomy research center, electric cars booming in China despite global doubt. In education, China decided to end postgraduate education In health, the Chinese Academy of Sciences announced the detection of a toxic compound in Beijing's smog; North Korea's nuclear test spurred widespread concern on radiation in China.

This month's newsletter features Chinese Academy of Sciences' decision to open research centers abroad. In science, Chinese top officials presented awards to top scientists and research teams; members of the Chinese Academy of Sciences voted for top 10 scientific breakthroughs in 2012; Chinese government issued guidelines to promote biotech industry; nuclear projects in China have been picked up 1 year after the Fukushima disaster. In education, the Ministry of Education issued guideline to guarantee equality in education; graduation season sees increasing reluctance of Chinese university graduates f factory jobs even if the white collar job market is dim. In health, the world looks at China as it is covered in severe smog.