NIH says it has identified over 500 ‘scientists of concern’ amid Chinese theft challenge
(Worthy News) – A top official at the National Institutes of Health said the federal agency has identified more than 500 “scientists of concern” within federally funded academic institutions and research programs as the U.S. government grapples with systematic foreign influence efforts, including Chinese economic espionage.
Dr. Michael Lauer, the NIH deputy director for extramural research, made the revelation during a Thursday hearing by the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions focused on protecting U.S. biomedical research, especially from undue foreign influence.
“I think one big problem, senators, is that the threat is significant. … We have identified over 500 scientists of concern. … Each of these require a tremendous amount of work to figure out what exactly has been happening and to work carefully with the institution to figure out what’s going on,” Lauer said, adding, “As of April 2021, we have contacted more than 90 awardee institutions regarding concerns involving over 200 scientists.” [ Source: Washington Examiner (Read More…) ]