Investigation into scientist's research claim can clear doubts

Han Chunyu, an associate professor at Hebei University of Science and Technology, impressed domestic life scientists when he announced in May he had successfully conducted experiments that improved the gene-editing tool NgAgo. However, other scientists have not been able to repeat the result of his experiments, and 13 of them have called for an investigation. Beijing Times comments:

The ups and downs Han has experienced during the past months are rather dramatic. When he first announced his discovery, he was widely praised with some even saying he could potentially win a Nobel Prize. However, with no one able to repeat the results of his experiments, he has faced doubts and challenges.

Some argue it is a purely scientific matter and there is no need for an investigation. But that is not the case. Han is an employee of a public university, and he has received funding support from his university, the Ministry of Education and the National Natural Science Foundation of China.

Besides, those domestic laboratories that have been trying to repeat Han's experiment are also funded with public money.

And the rule of scientific research is that one researcher's achievements must be repeatable in order to be accepted by others.

Furthermore, global scientists have been trying to repeat Han's experiment. So it is not just about Han's reputation, it is about the reputation of Chinese scientific research. In order to avoid further challenges to Han and Chinese scientists, it is time the authorities investigated to find out the truth of the matter.