May 2, 2026
Harvard scientist convicted of lying about China ties rebuilds brain-tech lab in China
Charles Lieber, a convicted former Harvard scientist, has rebuilt his brain-computer interface lab in Shenzhen, China, according to Reuters.
TL;DR
- Dr. Charles Lieber, a former Harvard scientist convicted in 2021 for lying about his ties to a Chinese recruitment program, has rebuilt his brain-computer interface lab in Shenzhen, China.
- Lieber now leads China's Institute for Brain Research, Advanced Interfaces and Neurotechnologies (i-BRAIN), aiming to make Shenzhen a global leader in the field.
- His conviction involved lying about a contract with Wuhan University of Technology, for which he received $50,000 a month and over $150,000 in living expenses.
- Experts view Lieber's move as evidence that US efforts to mitigate Chinese technology theft may not be succeeding.
- The development of computer-brain interfaces has potential applications in treating neurological disorders and military uses.
- Lieber reportedly has access to significant resources in China, including machinery for semiconductor chips and a large primate lab.