Professor Tao Li Banned from US Funding Over China Programmes

Tao Li, who worked as a programme officer at the National Science Foundation (NSF) from 2015 to 2017, has been prohibited from receiving US funding following an investigation into his undisclosed participation in Chinese talent initiatives. The NSF's Office of Inspector General determined that Li was involved in two such programs while managing research grant allocations in computer science, including hardware, software, and algorithms. The FBI had cautioned that these programs might encourage individuals to misappropriate foreign technology or knowledge. Furthermore, Li granted US research funds to at least seven other scientists who also allegedly did not disclose their involvement in the Dragon Star talent initiative. Concerns about Li's connection to Dragon Star were first raised by the FBI to NSF leadership in 2019, as noted by a former CIA analyst. The inspector general's inquiry spanned nearly seven years, culminating in the NSF's decisive action. This ban underscores the US government's vigilance regarding academic affiliations with foreign talent programs.