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Harvard chemist on trial: a guide to the Charles Lieber case

As the trial begins, legal experts say it could have a big impact on the US government’s controversial China Initiative.
By
  1. Andrew Silver

A highly-anticipated trial began today for star nanotechnology researcher Charles Lieber, who stands accused by the US government of actions including lying about his involvement in a Chinese government talent-recruitment programme, and failing to disclose income from China on his tax returns. This is the second trial for an academic accused of hiding ties to China since the Department of Justice (DOJ) launched a controversial initiative in 2018 to prevent that country from using US resources for political gain — and legal experts say its verdict might influence the prosecution of future cases.

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doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/d41586-021-03752-4

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