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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.
Zhang Wei’s research covers topics from two-dimensional materials and porous organic materials, to sustainable and recyclable polymers, molecular separation and carbon capture. Photo: Handout
Science

Award-winning chemist Zhang Wei leaves US to join China’s Great Bay University

On his return to China, Zhang says he looks forward to cultivating talent ‘who truly understand science, technology and industrial needs’.

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Science

Pan Jianwei becomes first Chinese scientist to win top UN basic science prize

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Science

Energy scientist Chen Peipei leaves Cambridge to build her own lab in Hong Kong

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Space

Our latest interstellar visitor has no signs of alien tech, scientists say

There were no ‘technosignatures’ from comet 3I/ATLAS, the third known object from a faraway star.

The interstellar comet 3I/Atlas, as captured by the Hubble Space Telescope on November 30, 2025. Photo: Nasa via AP
Science

Chinese scientists grow heart’s ‘master conductor’ that could replace pacemaker

Shanghai researchers engineer biological pacemaker that could offer a new way to control abnormal heart rhythms.

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US-China relations

As I see it | US’ scientific self-harm will only help China

While Washington slashes funding for the sciences, Beijing is clinching its lead in everything from patent applications to publications.

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Science

Canada Research Chair chemist Janusz Pawliszyn joins Chinese university

The Polish scientist who invented two widely used analytical chemistry techniques has been hired by one of his former students.

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Janusz Pawliszyn, inventor of two widely used analytical chemistry techniques, has taken up a professorship at Sun Yat-sen University’s school of chemical engineering and technology. Photo: Handout
Science

China proposes a departure from impact factor to measure academic influence

Chinese researcher says traditional measure of a paper’s citations is susceptible to manipulation and lacks Chinese perspective.

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Science

Liu Guozhi, once top PLA scientist, wiped off Chinese Academy of Sciences site

High-power microwave weapon expert was elected to the nation’s top scientific body in 2009.

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United States

US drops charges against Chinese scientists after diplomatic talks

Lawyers for the trio said the charges were dismissed by a judge in Detroit after ‘some kind of intervention’ by the Chinese consulate.

University of Michigan students walk past campus buildings. The detained scientists were research scholars at the university. Photo: TNS
Science

World-leading EV motor expert joins Hong Kong PolyU after 38 years in Britain

Permanent magnets scientist Zhu Ziqiang is continuing his globally renowned research in his new role.

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Zhu Ziqiang, who has joined Hong Kong Polytechnic University as chair professor of electrical machines and control systems. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong

Vietnam’s legendary maths genius Ngo Bao Chau to join University of Hong Kong

The Fields Medal winner and his country’s most distinguished mathematician is leaving the US and returning to Asia.

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US-China relations

US-China cooperation backed by most Americans, new national survey reveals

C100 study finds bipartisan public support for dialogue despite Washington’s tougher stance on visas, research collaboration and tariffs.

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US-China relations

US losing out to China with ‘onslaught’ on cutting-edge research: Nobel laureate

America risks losing the tech race to China unless it elects a government more supportive of scientific research, Nobel-winning economist says.

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Washington has suspended or cancelled more than 7,800 research grants since US President Donald Trump’s return to office, Nature reported on Tuesday. Photo: AP
Science

As I see it | We can now watch our own genes dance

Modern biology reveals a real miracle: how broken pieces of molecules evolved into a species that became conscious of its own genetic make-up.

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An animation of the structure of DNA. Photo: Shutterstock Images
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

USC chemistry professor is awarded one of Russia’s top science honours, topping competition from 40 countries.

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US-China relations

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

Multiple US government agencies told a House committee that security concerns should not stop efforts to retain foreign-born researchers.

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There is growing political pressure for the US to sever scientific ties with China. Photo: Getty Images
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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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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Guo Wei has been suspended as a foreign academician to the Russian Academy of Engineering after he became subject to a Chinese police probe over alleged academic misconduct. Photo: Handout
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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