Zhang Xin, cell biology researcher. [Photo provided to China Daily]

Maintaining ties

During the 1990s and early 2000s, many students at top Chinese universities were expected to study overseas at some point.

When Zhang Xin and Wang Wenchao studied medical science at Beijing Medical University, which became part of Peking University in 2000, pursuing a doctorate in US or European universities was a major trend.

"At that time, 'foreign countries' was a synonym for 'advanced'," says Zhang Xin. "Only about three students in our class of 26 didn't go abroad."

Zhang Xin and Wang Wenchao got married before they went to study at Indiana University in the US in 2001. After earning their PhDs, they went to do post-doctoral work at different research affiliates of Harvard Medical School.

"Working at Harvard, my path was more or less set," says Wang Wenchao. "But back in China, I saw more possibilities."

They were also afraid that their children might lose touch with their Chinese background if they stayed in the US.