Former Harvard scientist Charles Lieber is overseeing a China state-funded brain-computer interface lab in Shenzhen after his U.S. conviction for lying about payments from China. Reuters reported.
Lieber, 67, is leading i-BRAIN, the Institute for Brain Research, Advanced Interfaces and Neurotechnologies. This institute operates under the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, according to Reuters.
The lab is pursuing brain-computer interface technology, a field China identified as a national growth priority in its March 2026 five-year plan. The technology has shown medical promise in treating ALS and restoring movement in paralysed patients. However, the U.S. Defence Department has also cited potential military applications.
A court convicted Lieber in December 2021 of making false statements to U.S. investigators about his ties to a Chinese state talent programme. He was also convicted of tax offences linked to payments from a Chinese university. He served two days in prison and six months under house arrest, paid a $50,000 fine, and paid $33,600 in court-ordered restitution.
Reuters reported that i-BRAIN has access to dedicated nanofabrication equipment and primate research infrastructure unavailable to Lieber at Harvard.
The lab installed a deep-ultraviolet lithography system from ASML in February, according to i-BRAIN’s website, cited by Reuters. Semiconductor research firm SemiAnalysis estimated the model could cost about $2 million.
Lieber also has access to Brain Science Infrastructure Shenzhen, which has 2,000 primate cages and dedicated space for i-BRAIN’s work. Reuters reported this development.
Glenn Gerstell, a former general counsel of the U.S. National Security Agency, told Reuters the case shows how China has used U.S. scientific openness to advance strategic technology goals.
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Lieber declined a Reuters interview request via an assistant and did not respond to written questions. SMART, i-BRAIN, China’s science ministry and China’s defence ministry did not respond to Reuters requests for comment.
