US citizen, ‘Chinese blood’: top biologist Yuan Junying caught in debate over returnees
A top Chinese-American biologist who left Harvard University to take up a position in China is facing an online backlash amid a growing debate over whether senior returnees are squeezing out the country’s young scientists. Yuan Junying, a pioneer in the study of how cells die, drew attention in China late last month when she defended her US citizenship after winning a major science prize at the…
Yuan Junying, a renowned biologist of Chinese-American descent, has become the center of a heated online debate following her return to China and subsequent defense of her US citizenship. Yuan, a trailblazer in the study of cell death, sparked controversy after winning a prestigious science prize in Shanghai. She has been vocal about her Chinese heritage, asserting that nationality is determined by more than just a passport.
Yuan, who founded an interdisciplinary research center in Shanghai, has been running it full-time since her return to China in 2020. Critics, however, argue that her return is motivated by a desire to secure research funding intended for younger scientists, accusing her of "cheating the country". In response, intellectuals and academics have rallied to her defense, citing her contributions to science and her unwavering commitment to China.
The debate highlights broader concerns about the impact of senior returnees on the career prospects of younger researchers in the country.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
