University of Michigan faces scrutiny over foreign funding following arrests

In the United States, the University of Michigan has come under federal investigation due to the recent arrests of three Chinese nationals linked to the university for smuggling biological materials into the country. The U.S. Department of Education announced this investigation on June 3, 2025, following the charges against these individuals related to potential agroterrorism. The case has raised significant concerns regarding the university’s transparency in reporting foreign funding, as allegations suggest that the institution has been inaccurate and untimely in its disclosures, particularly with regards to foreign partnerships that could pose national security threats. The federal scrutiny follows accusations that the University of Michigan has historically downplayed its vulnerabilities to foreign influence, specifically citing relationships with Chinese institutions. The U.S. Education Department's Office of the General Counsel has requested documentation such as tax records related to foreign funding from January 1, 2020, onwards, and a complete list of personnel involved in research collaborations with non-U.S. institutions. This investigation is part of a broader push to increase transparency regarding foreign gifts and contracts to American universities, particularly those connected to China. Federal investigators have expressed concerns that the university’s research environment may be at risk of exploitation that could benefit foreign governments. The Education Department has highlighted that the university has made incomplete and inaccurate disclosures regarding foreign funding, which is particularly troubling given that American taxpayers fund a significant portion of the university's research. This scrutiny is also in line with an increasing trend where several American universities, including Harvard and the University of Pennsylvania, have faced similar investigations. The controversy around foreign funding in U.S. universities has intensified over fears of espionage and technology theft by foreign operatives, particularly from China. With the University of Michigan having ended its partnership with Shanghai Jiao Tong University in early 2025, the ongoing scrutiny represents a heightened awareness of potential security risks involved in international academic collaborations. The university has publicly condemned actions that undermine national security and has begun reviewing its research security protocols in light of these developments.