Associate provost at ShanghaiTech University

Why should foreign scientists come to China?

The economy is strong, so the conditions are good and money for research is very stable. In fact, the government is increasing investment in basic research, not only for large-scale facilities, but more generally. I see Chinese people coming back from working in other countries, as well as foreigners coming to work here. Although some have had good opportunities abroad, here they have excellent equipment and there is support for those starting up their own research.

What do Shanghai and ShanghaiTech University offer foreign researchers?

Shanghai is unique in being a huge city with such a high density of facilities. And there are more facilities planned for the future. Researchers want a good research environment, with good academic partners and the funds to purchase the materials they need. That is what is on offer at ShanghaiTech University. Shanghai is also home to many scientific centres at which researchers from all over the country work on projects to serve the national interest. These include the Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility, the National Center for Protein Science and the Free Electron Laser Facility. These large-scale projects are funded by the central government and the Shanghai local government.

What skills do foreign researchers need to work in China?

We don't have enough top-quality researchers to help China to reach the level of research we are aiming for, so that's what we're looking for. Shanghai is an international city so it is not essential to speak Chinese — English is widely understood among the research community. R.K.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.