Charles Lieber, a researcher in the field of chemistry and nanotechnology, has been arrested on charges of making false statements to the US government regarding his monetary ties to China. In this episode, JoJo Platt discusses his arrest, the events surrounding it, and what it could mean for the field and future international collaborations.

Top three takeaways:

1. Charles Lieber did not disclose his ties to China while receiving grant money from US government institutions
2. The US Senate believes China's Thousand Talents Program, to which Lieber had a direct connection, was a means to divert US intellectual property
3. We shouldn't cut all research ties to China, but we must be careful how we go about international collaborations; researchers must be open and transparent about all affiliations

[0:00] Ladan introduces the episode and mentions the recent news regarding Charles Lieber

[2:10] Platt hints at some future implications of Charles Lieber's arrest, and what it could mean for future collaborations, as well as a bit of the background on Charles Lieber and the events leading up to him getting arrested

[5:30] Platt discusses the timeline of Lieber making arrangements with China to receive grant funding

[8:20] Lieber had failed to disclose his relationships to China while receiving grant money from institutions such as the NIH and the US Department of Defense, which is illegal

[11:00] Chinese Thousand Talents Program recognized by US Senate as a program intended to divert US intellectual property, part of Lieber's agreement with this program is that he must invite 1-3 international scientists to work as visiting scholars

[14:45] Platt believes not all research ties to China should be cut, but we must be careful about how we do it; transparency about affiliations is key

[17:45] Lab money and personal money are two distinct things; lab money is often spent without as much care as personal money

[19:15] Risk of Lieber leaving the country is low, given that he surrendered his passport when he posted bail