Inside STAT: Chinese scientists returning home from the U.S. to advance their careers  

TING HAN, AN ASSISTANT INVESTIGATOR AT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES IN BEIJING. (ELKE SCHOLIERS FOR STAT)

Increased scrutiny of Chinese researchers appears to be causing something of a “brain drain.” Instead of pursuing research careers here in the U.S. as many of them had hoped for, many researchers have returned to China to set up labs there. China is increasing its science investment, and other factors — including a perceived glass ceiling in the U.S. — are playing into the difficult decision to leave. STAT’s Diana Cai told me that the most surprising part of reporting the story was the fact that men and women may be returning to China at different rates, because women reported they face less gender bias in the U.S. But the most difficult part of the story? “Finding sources who were willing to go on the record,” Diana told me. “The subject is sensitive, and I really appreciate everyone who took time to share their thoughts.” STAT Plus subscribers can read the full special report here.