Source: Global Times
AFP article on January 7, original title: Overseas scholars attracted by China's scientific influence. Subtitle: The Chinese government has long been working to attract top scientists from abroad, but researchers say that Chinese research institutions are increasingly attracting talent due to their growing international academic reputation. For researchers, China is becoming a destination they aspire to. "You will hear about these amazing advanced laboratories, and the Chinese government provides funding for research in areas such as artificial intelligence and quantum." said Majed Jebali, a Tunisian doctoral student majoring in artificial intelligence at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. "The scale of research and the speed of infrastructure development in China are astonishing."
Attracting measures provided by the Chinese government often focus on outstanding researchers in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), who help China achieve its goal of becoming a leader in global science and technology innovation.
Academic researchers interviewed said that getting firsthand experience of the rapidly developing industries in China's vast market is also a reason that attracts them to work in China. A materials scientist who moved from a European university to China said that the faster development of relevant industries means more opportunities for "academically based but application-oriented research." The scientist said, "Today, the quality of papers published by China's top universities is no less than those of top universities in the United States or Europe, and in some fields, they are very competitive and even lead the world."
China has already demonstrated undeniable academic strength in many fields. According to the Nature Index 2025 Research Leaders list released by the internationally renowned academic publishing company Springer Nature, four of the top five institutions globally are Chinese. This is a sharp contrast to the era when American and European institutions dominated.
"Fifteen years ago, I would not have done this." said Jason Chapman, a renowned entomologist and world leader in the fields of migratory insects and radar entomology, who officially joined Nanjing Agricultural University last year. However, in the past five years, the "research resources and other forms of support" available in China have far exceeded those overseas, changing that idea.
Nevertheless, challenges still exist for some researchers who have moved to China. Some respondents said that they need to "overcome cultural differences." The aforementioned materials scientist said that they need time to adapt to an environment in China that emphasizes interpersonal relationships and social interactions. Even so, for young faculty members eager to start research projects and make substantial progress, China is a very reasonable choice, and in many cases, it is quite attractive. (Translated by Wang Huicong)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7593123633041392174/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author themselves.