Harvard scientist convicted of lying about China ties rebuilds brain-tech lab in China Dr. Charles Lieber, a former Harvard scientist previously convicted for concealing ties to a Chinese recruitment program, has established a new brain-computer interface lab in Shenzhen, China. He now heads China’s Institute for Brain Research, Advanced Interfaces and Neurotechnologies (i-BRAIN), aiming to make Shenzhen a world leader in the field. His defection highlights concerns about Chinese technology theft and the importance China places on developing cutting-edge technologies.

• 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.