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Scientists

Scientists
Latest news and updates on Chinese scientists, including the hundreds of researchers who in recent years have switched affiliations from American universities to institutions in China.
(From left) Joshua Zahl, Chen Jing and Zhou Ming. Photo: Handout/Tsinghua University
SCMP Highlights

7 scientists, mathematicians, physicists and experts who moved to China in 2025

From a world-leading statistician to a mathematics luminary, here are some experts who made the move.

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US-China relations

US-based scientist Valery Fokin wins Vyzov Prize, beating fierce Chinese rivals

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US-China relations

China still targeting US-based researchers for ‘malign’ purposes, lawmakers told

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Science

China-born architect Wang Fei dies in suspected car crash in London

Tributes to the ‘distinguished architectural educator, scholar and curator’ from Syracuse University say he was killed on Monday.

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The China Academy of Art has confirmed that Wang Fei, who taught at Syracuse University in New York state, died on Monday. He was 45. Photo: Handout
Science

Chinese team reports way to extract hypersonic weapon fuel boron from seawater

Inspired by ‘novel sustainable technology’ research, the team designs a single, powerful system using solar energy for extraction.

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Science

Russia academy breaks up with China naval institute chief scientist under probe

Chinese headquarters of Russian Academy of Engineering says it is taking note of case against Guo Wei, who is accused of ‘faked’ credentials.

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Science

As I see it | Not all genetic questions about race are racist

Without denying the offensive remarks of James Watson, co-discoverer of the DNA structure, some of his speculation on race does have merit.

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The late Dr James Watson poses with the original DNA model ahead of a press conference at the Science Museum in London, England, on May 20, 2005. Photo: AFP
Science

Chief scientist at China’s top warship-building research institute detained

Jiangsu University of Science and Technology says it has fired Guo Wei over the accusations of academic misconduct.

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Science

Why ‘racist’ biologist James Watson is remembered in China with respect

Controversial Nobel Prize winner helped to lay the groundwork for China to become a genomics and biotech powerhouse.

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US-China relations

Chinese scientist pleads guilty in US toxic fungus smuggling case

Jian Yunqing’s boyfriend Liu Zunyong was caught with samples of Fusarium graminearum, a pathogen, while arriving at a US airport in 2024.

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A Fusarium graminearum infection on wheat heads spreads from one flower to another. Photo: Shutterstock
Science

Database of younger scientists’ deaths triggers heated debate in China

The list fuels concerns about the pressures researchers face, but critics warn it may not provide an accurate picture.

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Two years after returning to her homeland from the United States, where she built a promising academic career, rising oceanography star Dong Sijia died at the age of 33. Photo: Handout
Science

Biologists find array of deep-sea survival mechanisms in Ring of Fire creatures

Scientists from Australia and Japan studying three trenches find ‘organisms have adapted strategies to filter things out of the waters’.

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Science

Was Venice’s winged lion made in China and delivered by Marco Polo’s family?

Italian researchers believe the famous statue may have originated in Tang dynasty China but Chinese scholars are not convinced.

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Science

Can China’s new tech crack Einstein’s brain? Scientists hope to give it a try

Mapping technique allows analysis of old biological samples often poorly preserved.

A new technique developed by Chinese scientists has shown potential in analysing old biological samples, including cancer tissues stored for nearly 10 years. Photo: Shutterstock
Science

Death of 3 bright young scientists highlights China’s ruthless academic system

As China’s innovation and self-reliance drive shifts into high gear, experts say revamping ecosystem may overlook well-being of people in it.

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China has escalated its innovation and self-reliance drive amid the country’s tech competition with the US. Photo: Edmond So
Science

Leading AI scientist Alex Kot moves to a Sino-Russian university in China

Information and electronic engineering scholar joins Shenzhen MSU-BIT University (SMBU), a Chinese-foreign cooperative university.

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US-China relations

Abandoning the US: top Chinese scientists return home

Top scientists have been leaving the US for China in a wave that is changing the landscape of global research. In this series, the Post focuses on some of the experts who have made the move.

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Science

Top mathematician Zhang says he left US for China due to political climate

Researchers in computers, chips or anything related to the military industry ‘need to be especially careful’, Shanghai native warns.

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Zhang Yitang, formerly a mathematics professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara, is now with Sun Yat-sen University in Guangzhou. Photo: Handout
US-China relations

University of Michigan under investigation over Chinese bio-smuggling cases

The US Education Department is looking into the school’s foreign funding, citing illegal bids to bring biological materials into the country.

Science

Chinese scientists thank Nasa for sharing data critical to deep-sea mining

Chinese oceanographers say information from Nasa satellites is indispensable for determining ‘distribution of mineral resources’.

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Science

Human heart structure beats 21 days in pig embryo in Chinese chimera study

The research could have implications for organ transplants, which are limited by the small number of donors.

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A Chinese research team from the Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health says a pig embryo with human heart cells has survived for 21 days. Photo: Daniel Sambraus/Science
Science

Family of China-born neuroscientist Jane Wu files death-related civil complaint

Court filing accuses Northwestern University of discriminating and isolating actions that became a ‘decisive factor’ in her fatal decision.

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Chinese-born molecular biologist Jane Wu was a prominent neuroscientist at Northwestern University, Illinois before her death in July 2024. Photo: Baidu
Science

Trailblazing mathematician Yitang Zhang leaves US for job at Chinese university

Zhang, known for his pioneering work on prime numbers, has been appointed to Sun Yat-sen University’s new research centre in Hong Kong.

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Science

Mammals could regenerate tissue by turning on ‘genetic switch’: Chinese team

Scientists studying ability of mice to regenerate ear damage say therapies based on retinoic acid might work across various tissue types.

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Science

The unsung spleen may play a big role in fighting diabetes: Chinese scientists

Researchers say nanoparticles could help engineer the spleen – a more promising long-term survival site than the liver – into a transplant hub.

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An estimated 589 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, expected to rise to 853 million by 2050, the International Diabetes Federation says. Photo: Shutterstock
US-China relations

Chinese scholars in US bio-smuggling cases agree to stay in jail

There was concern that Han Chengxuan and Jian Yunqing would flee the US if released on bond, like a Chinese national in an unrelated case.

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Chinese scientist Han Chengxuan is seen in an image provided on Friday. Photo: Sanilac County Sheriff’s Office via AP
Science

From a shepherd to world-renowned scientist, Xie Yimin leaves Australia for China

Globally celebrated scientist who grew up in a poor rural area, now returns to his hometown as dean of Hohai University.

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US-China relations

US arrests another Chinese scientist with no permit to send biological material

Scientist is accused of shipping material to University of Michigan; 2 charged last week over conspiring to smuggle toxic fungus.

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