US citizen, ‘Chinese blood’: top biologist Yuan Junying caught in debate over returnees

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Chinese-American biologist Yuan Junying is facing online criticism after defending her US citizenship while accepting a major science prize in Shanghai. Her move from Harvard to China has become part of a broader debate over whether senior scientists returning to China are limiting opportunities for younger researchers.

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 World Laureates Forum in her hometown of Shanghai. “I’ve always said my blood is Chinese blood,” said...