German media: Why are scientists willing to do research in China?
According to a report on the German "China Platform" website on April 14 and reported by the Reference News Network on April 16, an investigation by Nature Weekly revealed that about 75% of the 1600 American researchers surveyed are considering leaving the United States. In particular, Chinese-American scientists are even attracted back to their home country after working abroad for decades. A thought-provoking question is: why do some scientists actively choose China as their research location?
The report stated that in 2018, physicist Dieter Bingberg received an invitation from China. He said he couldn't refuse: a research center named after him. Since April 2018, he has been leading the Binbing Sino-German Green Photonics Research Center in Changchun. Bingberg is a member of the German Academy of Sciences and has taught at universities in Berlin and California.
Bingberg enjoys working in China, not only because of that research center. In China, he can focus solely on his research without dealing with too much bureaucracy or trying to raise third-party funds. He pointed out: "In China, individual talent is crucial."
Reportedly, economist and Sinologist Doris Fischer said: "China has a clear strategy: science should be at the forefront. To achieve this, it is recruiting researchers from interested fields." She noted that more importantly: "Ten years ago, doing research in China might have affected one's career. This situation no longer exists today, especially for those working at top universities in China."
The report stated that conducting research in China does not mean everything will automatically become better or easier. Professors' salaries are usually higher elsewhere—such as in the United States or some European countries. Life in Changchun is also less fashionable than in metropolises like Shanghai and Beijing, and newcomers need time to adapt.
However, as one of Germany's renowned physicists, Bingberg still chose China, indicating that China's efforts to attract global talent are paying off. For scientists whose work is considered particularly valuable, China provides financial convenience and decision-making freedom. For many researchers, what matters most is that they can pursue their passions without hindrance. Or as Bingberg put it: "Excellent talents will be promoted."
The report also mentioned that support for research includes allowing scientists to work as long as they wish. However, in Germany, even if scientists can and wish to continue working, they must retire. Bingberg said one reason he moved to China was that he was no longer allowed to continue working in Berlin.
This arrangement benefits both parties: scientists can continue pursuing their passions, while China gains expertise.
The report stated that countries like Germany can draw inspiration from China's approach to some extent: targeted promotion of outstanding scientists, reducing bureaucracy, simplifying funding procedures, and enhancing trust in research institution decision-makers. Doris Fischer said that if occasionally colleagues go to China, there's no need to panic. "If retired scientists can continue their research in China—why not?" (Translated/Nie Liting)
Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7493740564639171122/
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