China's attempt to lure scientists not without its drawbacks

With the hope of luring high-achieving expatriates and senior scientists from other countries, China is offering generous incentives to those who accept positions within the country.

For many, the decision is a difficult one. For Jun Yao, a Chinese-born neuroscientist who completed his doctorate and two postdoctoral stints in the U.S., it was witnessing the progress that had been made toward fostering an environment where science and research can thrive while visiting Tsinghua University in Beijing that convinced him to return.

Over the past decade, China has made notable improvements in the area of scientific research, especially in terms of funding. According to a recent Nature article, the country “is counting on Western-trained researchers such as Yao to help the nation boost its scientific status to a level similar to that of the United States, Europe and Japan.”

However, for expatriates, there are downsides to returning to China. The recruiting of Western-trained scientists doesn’t stop with expatriates; China is also attempting to lure senior scientists of non-Chinese origin, who pose a potential threat to repatriates who are starting out at the bottom upon their return.

Denis Simon, professor and vice provost of the Office of International Strategic Initiatives at ASU and an expert on Chinese science and innovation, cautions, “It’s one thing to attract Chinese-born postgraduates from overseas. Bringing senior scientists to China is a different story. It’s hard to swallow for China’s old guard that Mr. Smith gets so much when Mr. Wang gets so much less.”

Critics of China’s efforts are of the opinion that if they really want to bring their best and brightest back, the country will need a complete overhaul of its science culture and academic institutions in order “to embrace democratic pluralism and improve transparency.”