BEIJING, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) said Wednesday it will fiercely combat fraud in the election of academicians.

The CAS, one of the country's top think tanks, said the election will focus on candidates' academic qualifications and their commitment to ethics.

Punishments will be handed out to those involved in election fraud, including falsifying applications and using influence to gain votes, the CAS said.

According to regulations, no more than 60 academicians will join the academy during this year's election, which kicked off earlier this month.

The CAS will also more closely scrutinize the academic achievements of candidates who are officials or entrepreneurs, in a move to restore its reputation after it was hit by a series of election crises including excessive bureaucratism.

Academician is the highest academic title conferred upon Chinese scientists and experts working in scientific and technological fields. The title of academician is a lifelong honor.