Liquor Expert’s Nomination Brings on Hangover

The nomination of an expert at China’s leading liquor maker for a prestigious academic honor has not gone down smoothly. The announcement on February 17 that Wang Li, chief engineer and quality officer at baijiu distillers Kweichow Moutai, was shortlisted for membership to the Chinese Academy of Engineering (CAE) stirred up fiery debate on social media. Some argued that the CAE should not consider experts from the alcohol industry because their products are unhealthy, while others questioned the merit of the nomination process. In a released statement, the CAE said the latest list of nominees is still soliciting public opinion and will be considered by an expert panel. According to media reports, a similar controversy emerged in 2011 when a researcher working to reduce tobacco tar in cigarettes received the title. Responding to public outcry, the CAE removed the tobacco industry from the eligibility list.