# Jiankui He

> Chinese biophysicist (1984-)

**Wikidata**: [Q59223278](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q59223278)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He_Jiankui)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/jiankui-he

## Summary

Jiankui He was born in 1984 in Xinhua County.[1] He is a biologist, biomedical engineer, physicist, geneticist, and inventor.[2]

## Summary
Jiankui He is a Chinese biophysicist known for his controversial role in creating the world's first gene-edited babies using CRISPR-Cas technology. Born in 1984, he is a researcher affiliated with institutions in China and has made significant contributions to genetic engineering and biotechnology.

## Biography
- Born: 1984
- Nationality: People's Republic of China
- Education: 
  - B.S. in Physics, University of Science and Technology of China (2006)
  - Ph.D. in Biophysics, Rice University (2010)
  - Postdoctoral research, Stanford University
- Known for: Creating the first gene-edited human babies using CRISPR-Cas9
- Employer(s): 
  - Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech)
  - Previously affiliated with University of Science and Technology of China
- Field(s): Biophysics, genetic engineering, CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing

## Contributions
Jiankui He gained international attention for his use of CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to modify human embryos, resulting in the birth of the first gene-edited babies in 2018. This work was conducted primarily under his role at the Southern University of Science and Technology in Shenzhen, China. His research focused on editing the CCR5 gene to confer HIV resistance. The experiment led to widespread ethical controversy and scientific scrutiny, ultimately resulting in his dismissal from academic positions and legal consequences in China. He also contributed to the development of novel biotechnological methods and tools during his tenure at various research institutions.

## FAQs
### Where did Jiankui He study and work?
Jiankui He earned his B.S. in Physics from the University of Science and Technology of China in 2006. He then completed a Ph.D. in Biophysics at Rice University in 2010 and conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University. He was later employed by the Southern University of Science and Technology, where he conducted his most notable research.

### What is Jiankui He known for?
Jiankui He is most recognized for using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing to create the first gene-edited human babies, an act that sparked global ethical and scientific debate. His work aimed to confer HIV resistance by editing the CCR5 gene in human embryos.

### What were the consequences of Jiankui He's gene-editing experiments?
Following the public disclosure of his experiments in 2018, Jiankui He faced intense international criticism, was dismissed from his academic positions, and was sentenced to three years in prison by Chinese authorities for illegal medical practices. His actions prompted renewed discussions on the ethical oversight of gene-editing technologies.

## Why They Matter
Jiankui He's work fundamentally altered the landscape of genetic engineering and bioethics. His unauthorized use of CRISPR-Cas9 on human embryos led to a global reckoning on the ethical boundaries of gene editing. His actions prompted stricter regulatory frameworks and increased scrutiny of biotechnological research, influencing both scientific practice and public policy. The incident also highlighted the need for international consensus on gene-editing standards and the moral responsibilities of scientists.

## Notable For
- First use of CRISPR-Cas9 to edit human embryos resulting in live births (2018)
- Association with the Southern University of Science and Technology
- Training in biophysics and genetic engineering at top-tier institutions (USTC, Rice University, Stanford)
- Inclusion in Nature's "People Who Mattered" list (2018)
- Recipient of the Thousand Talents Program award from the Chinese government
- Pioneering work in CRISPR-based biotechnology and its global controversy
- Influencing international bioethical standards and scientific oversight practices

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Jiankui He was born in 1984 in the People's Republic of China. He pursued his undergraduate studies in Physics at the University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), graduating in 2006. He then moved to the United States for graduate studies, earning a Ph.D. in Biophysics from Rice University in 2010. He continued his academic development with postdoctoral research at Stanford University, where he focused on biophysics and genetic engineering.

### Career and Affiliations
He joined the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in Shenzhen, where he led groundbreaking and controversial research in gene editing. At SUSTech, he headed a laboratory focused on biophysics and genetic engineering, applying CRISPR-Cas9 technology to human embryos. His affiliation with SUSTech placed him at the forefront of China's efforts to advance biotechnology research. Prior to this, he was associated with the University of Science and Technology of China, which played a foundational role in his early scientific training.

### Research and Projects
Jiankui He's most prominent project involved the use of CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the CCR5 gene in human embryos, aiming to confer resistance to HIV. This research culminated in the birth of the first gene-edited babies in 2018. The project was conducted without official approval and lacked proper ethical oversight, leading to global condemnation. He's work also involved the development of novel applications of genetic engineering tools, particularly in the context of human reproductive technologies.

### Recognition and Awards
He was recognized as part of the Thousand Talents Program, a prestigious Chinese government initiative to attract high-level researchers. His work also earned him a place on Nature's annual "People Who Mattered" list in 2018, highlighting his influence despite the controversy. His scientific contributions, particularly in biophysics and gene editing, have been widely discussed in academic and public forums.

### Ethical and Legal Consequences
Following the public disclosure of his gene-editing experiments, Jiankui He faced severe professional and legal repercussions. He was dismissed from his academic roles and later sentenced to three years in prison by a Chinese court for conducting illegal medical practices. His case became a landmark in the discourse on scientific ethics, leading to calls for stricter international regulations on gene-editing technologies.

### Legacy and Influence
Jiankui He's legacy is deeply intertwined with the ethical dimensions of genetic engineering. His actions prompted global institutions to reevaluate oversight mechanisms for biotechnology research. The scientific community continues to reference his work as a cautionary tale about the intersection of scientific innovation and ethical responsibility. His influence extends beyond his research, shaping policies and public perception of gene editing's future.

## References

1. [The New York Times](https://www.nytimes.com/2018/11/27/opinion/genetically-edited-babies-china.html)
2. Nature’s 10: Ten people who mattered in science in 2018
3. MAK
4. [Source](https://science.sciencemag.org/content/365/6452/430.full)
5. [Source](http://www.xinhuanet.com/english/2019-12/30/c_138666463.htm)
6. YouTube API
7. Virtual International Authority File