China's Great Science Leap

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China's Great Science Leap: Cells and Chips

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Cells and Chips

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Will China’s ambitions in space, quantum & biotech lead it to science super-power status?

Is China set to become the next science super-power, dominating bio-engineering, computing and space? And if so, what does this mean for the future of Chinese and global science?

President Xi Jinping is investing seriously into his strategic vision of turning China into a nation of scientific pace-setters. China’s past contributions to modern science have been proportionally lacklustre, but with a reinvigorated focus over the past two decades, China is fast turning from imitator to innovator. What might this increasing scientific prowess mean for the future of China’s development as well for the international scientific community? 

Whereas once many Chinese scientists chose to go abroad to further their careers, presenter Dr Kevin Fong hears how the government has sought to lure its brightest researchers back. He asks what that means for both scientific collaborations and the culture of science in China and the UK. As scientific research relies on transparent information sharing, what are the challenges of collaborating with an authoritarian regime?

In this first episode, Kevin hears how Chinese science has advanced over recent decades following a low point during the Chinese Cultural revolution. He speaks to a Chinese bio-chemist about his career in the USA and finds out why he decided to move back to China to start a biotech business. At Loughborough University, Kevin meets a team of researchers working on Artificial Intelligence tools with Chinese counterparts, to help monitor and predict air pollution. 

But is the UK an equal partner and beneficiary of these academic partnerships? As China is set to become the UK’s most significant research partner, at a time of rising geopolitical tensions, we examine how the UK might navigate these choppy waters and what the risks and benefits of scientific collaboration might be.

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Factual: Science & Nature

Dr Kevin Fong investigates China's ambitions to become the next science super-power.

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