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Leading Researchers Defect to Chinese Institutes

7/6/2026

44 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Neurobiologist Chih-Ying Su, Nobel laureate Omar Yaghi and energy researcher Chen Peipei have left U.S. institutions for Chinese research centers, reflecting a shift in global academic talent.
Chih-Ying Su joined the Shenzhen Academy of Medical Sciences because SMART offers advanced hardware and President Yan Ning’s leadership.
Chen Peipei moved to City University of Hong Kong to secure start-up funds unavailable in the United Kingdom.

History

Historical Context

The Chinese government launched the State-run Thousand Talents Plan in 2008, offering up to $1 million to lure overseas researchers. Within ten years the scheme recruited over 7,000 scientists, including life-science experts. Recent moves by neurobiologist Chih-Ying Su, chemist Omar Yaghi and energy researcher Chen Peipei to Shenzhen, Tsinghua and Hong Kong intensify the U.S.–China talent rivalry and spur policy scrutiny.

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Story summary

Neurobiologist Chih-Ying Su, Nobel laureate Omar Yaghi and energy researcher Chen Peipei have left U.S. institutions for Chinese research centers, reflecting a shift in global academic talent.
Chih-Ying Su joined the Shenzhen Academy of Medical Sciences because SMART offers advanced hardware and President Yan Ning’s leadership.
Chen Peipei moved to City University of Hong Kong to secure start-up funds unavailable in the United Kingdom.

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