American authorities probe university over Chinese researchers
The University of Michigan (UM) is currently under investigation by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for inaccurate and incomplete disclosures regarding foreign funding. The probe, which was initiated on July 15, 2025, has been triggered by a review revealing discrepancies in UM's reports on foreign gifts and contracts valued at $250,000 or more annually, as required by Section 117 of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
According to ED’s Chief Investigative Counsel, Paul Moore, UM has a history of downplaying its vulnerabilities to malign foreign influence. Recent reports have shown the university’s research labs remain susceptible to sabotage. The Justice Department recently filed criminal charges against two Chinese nationals, Liu Zunyong and Jian Yunqing, who allegedly smuggled hazardous biological materials into the U.S. for use in UM laboratories. This raises national security concerns linked to China, highlighting risks from foreign government-affiliated funding sources.
The investigation cites specific issues including UM’s untimely reporting of tens of millions of dollars in foreign funding and possible mischaracterization of some funders as "nongovernmental entities," despite apparent direct affiliations with foreign governments, particularly China.
UM’s response to these accusations included ending a partnership with China’s Shanghai Jiao Tong University in January 2025 under Congressional pressure. The Department of Education is demanding that UM provide various records within 30 days to verify the accuracy of its disclosures and compliance with federal law.
The investigation centers on UM’s lack of transparency and possible underreporting of foreign funding from government-related entities, raising significant national security concerns about Chinese influence and activities within a major U.S. research institution.
The Trump administration has made it a priority to increase transparency around foreign gifts and contracts to U.S. universities, especially those tied to China. Republicans in the U.S. Congress have urged universities to cut research ties with China, claiming that Beijing exploits these relationships to steal technology.
Since 2020, UM has received over $375 million in foreign funding. The university has stated it will cooperate fully with federal investigators and takes its responsibility to comply with the law seriously. The Department of Education's investigation is being conducted by Paul Moore and asks UM to share tax records related to foreign funding, a list of foreign gifts, grants, and contracts, and other documents within 30 days.
Experts have raised doubts about the FBI's claim that the smuggled biological materials were a threat. However, the investigation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in the handling of foreign funding at U.S. universities, particularly in light of national security concerns.
[1] "U.S. Department of Education Launches Investigation into University of Michigan's Foreign Funding Disclosures." The New York Times, 15 July 2025. Web. 16 July 2025.
[2] "University of Michigan Ends Partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University Amid National Security Concerns." The Washington Post, 1 January 2025. Web. 16 July 2025.
- The investigation by the U.S. Department of Education into the University of Michigan's foreign funding disclosures extends beyond education-and-self-development, as it also encompasses politics due to national security concerns over possible foreign government influence.
- The general-news reports about the University of Michigan's investigation for incomplete foreign funding disclosures have implications that reach beyond academia, as they also intertwine with crime-and-justice, such as the smuggling of hazardous biological materials for use in UM laboratories.
