Cybersecurity Professor Faced China-Funding Inquiry Before Disappearing, Sources Say
Summary
Xiaofeng Wang, a highly regarded data privacy professor at Indiana University (IU), has reportedly been under investigation regarding unreported research funding from China before his sudden disappearance and subsequent FBI raids on his home. The inquiry has raised significant concerns within the academic community regarding academic freedom and the handling of faculty members under scrutiny.
Indiana University had been reviewing Wang’s funding disclosures since December, following a grant linked to his research in China from 2017-2018. Despite Wang’s reassurances about his funding sources, the university seemed intent on continuing its investigation, culminating in his abrupt termination and the disappearance of his faculty profile.
Key Points
- Xiaofeng Wang was investigated for alleged non-disclosure of research funding from China while receiving US federal grants.
- The FBI conducted searches at two properties associated with Wang amidst this ongoing inquiry.
- There are allegations that IU’s termination of Wang violated university policy regarding due process for tenured faculty members.
- Wang has been collaborating with researchers in China, but there is no evidence suggesting improper conduct in his arrangements.
- Concerns have been raised about the impact of this case on the attraction of international talent to US universities.
Why should I read this?
This article sheds light on the increasingly complex relationship between academia, research funding, and national security concerns. Readers will gain insights into the challenges faced by scholars who collaborate internationally and how such investigations can dramatically affect careers and academic integrity. The implications of this case are significant for understanding broader issues related to academic freedom in the context of geopolitical tensions.
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