Cybersecurity Professor Faced China-Funding Inquiry Before Disappearing, Sources Say
Summary
Xiaofeng Wang, a prominent cybersecurity professor at Indiana University, has recently vanished amid an investigation regarding his undisclosed research funding from China. Following FBI searches at his and his wife’s residences, his tenure at the university was abruptly terminated, raising significant concerns among academic peers regarding due process and the implications of the investigation.
Key Points
- Wang’s alleged misconduct involves failure to disclose Chinese funding on grant applications to Indiana University.
- The FBI conducted searches at two properties linked to Wang, prompting his sudden dismissal from Indiana University.
- Wang has maintained that he addressed the funding issue with the university prior to the investigation.
- His scholarly work includes significant collaborations with Chinese researchers but was supported primarily by US grants.
- Colleagues express worry that the circumstances surrounding Wang’s case could deter future talent from pursuing academic roles in the US.
Why should I read this?
This article sheds light on the escalating tensions within academia regarding foreign collaborations, particularly with China, and raises questions about the integrity of academic freedom and due process in the context of national security investigations. The implications of such cases may affect the future of international research partnerships and the careers of numerous scholars.
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