Convicted nanoscientist from Harvard and Wuhan University rebuilds brain computer lab in China

Charles Lieber, the nanoscientist convicted in 2021 of lying to U.S. authorities about payments from China while at Harvard, has rebuilt his brain-computer interface laboratory inside China.

The 67-year-old now directs the state-funded i-BRAIN Institute at the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation. There he pursues technology Beijing explicitly identifies as a national priority: embedding electronics directly into the human brain.

Meshlike electrodes, injected into brain tissue, can function for months. PHOTO: LIEBER GROUP, HARVARD UNIVERSITY

Lieber arrived in Shenzhen on April 28, 2025.