Thanks in great measure to the efforts of Wu and others, the United States and China are now connected by a rich, complex, and lively scientific culture. A part of that story is told in this issue of the Bulletin through the experiences of four HHMI investigators—two of whom trained in the United States because of Wu's program. These accomplished scientists spend their time navigating between laboratories on the two continents, mentoring students, and providing critical guidance for the development of new research institutes in China. One plans a permanent return to China in 2010, which I see more as a gain of a scientific ally than as the loss of a colleague. (See feature “The China Connection,” this issue.)

Many U.S. policy makers have expressed concern about the ability of our nation to maintain its scientific leadership and global competitiveness, particularly as China deepens its commitment to basic research. That concern—particularly as it relates to our educational system and the overall attractiveness of technical careers to members of the Facebook generation—may be well founded. Yet we must also recognize the extent to which the United States has benefited for decades from an influx of scientific talent from all over the world, from gifted researchers who have sought out a culture that values merit and original thinking. It's certainly something Ray Wu understood and worked toward until his death in 2008.

Biomedical research is already a global enterprise. Through the current International Scholars program—begun in response to the collapse of the former Soviet Union—HHMI has played a modest, though significant role in supporting international science. Now, my colleagues and I face the challenge of redefining that presence and considering how best to support highly promising scientists—without regard to geographic borders. At the risk of sounding naïve, I would argue that we have much to gain by exporting U.S.-style science beyond our own borders. There may be no more effective demonstration of the power of intellectual freedom and democratic governance.

	PAGE 2 OF 2	Back