Why death of star scientist Li Haizeng, 34, has Chinese researchers taking note
Fear of being left behind drives academics to work harder, even at the expense of well-being and mental health, says university lecturer
The death of material scientist Li Haizeng from a heart attack at the age of 34 has unsettled China’s research community, even those already mindful of the huge pressure facing the country’s scientists today.
Robotics scientist Geng Tao, who once worked at a British university and is now the founder of a Chinese start-up, said he was aware of the fierce competition in the domestic academic community and the growing tragedy of early death among researchers.
But still, he was shocked by Li’s death on August 29.
Li published dozens of papers as first or corresponding author in top journals in just a few years.
“How diligent one has to be to accomplish that,” Geng said.
Since last month, at least eight young and middle-aged researchers under the age of 60 have died of disease in China, according to openly available information.