Story perspectives

Leading Biologist Bao Zhirong Returns to China After 30 Years

2/12/2026

Summary

Story summary

Bao Zhirong, a prominent computational biologist, has joined the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen after 30 years in the U.S.
He previously worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, leading NIH-funded research projects.
Bao developed AceTree, a key cell-tracking software for developmental biology, cancer, and stem cell research.
His accolades include the Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award and the NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award.
His return highlights the trend of Chinese scientists moving back to China.

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Story summary

Bao Zhirong, a prominent computational biologist, has joined the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen after 30 years in the U.S.
He previously worked at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, leading NIH-funded research projects.
Bao developed AceTree, a key cell-tracking software for developmental biology, cancer, and stem cell research.
His accolades include the Basil O’Connor Starter Scholar Award and the NIH Director’s Transformative Research Award.
His return highlights the trend of Chinese scientists moving back to China.