Reverse Brain Drain? Exploring Trends among Chinese Scientists in the U.S.

July 15, 2024

INSIGHTS

  • China has been the most important foreign supplier of U.S.-based scientists for more than two decades.
  • While most China-born, U.S.-based scientists intend to stay in the U.S., the number leaving has steadily increased. After the Department of Justice implemented the "China Initiative" in 2018, departures increased by 75%, with two-thirds of the relocated scientists moving to China.
  • Surveyed scientists of Chinese descent in the U.S. report anxiety and new difficulties in pursuing their research, with 61% considering leaving the U.S. and 45% avoiding federal grant applications.
  • U.S. science will likely suffer given the loss of scientific talent to China and other countries. 

Read more of the Brief HERE.