Husband and wife, Tianqiao Chen and Chrissy Luo, donated $115 million to California Institute of Technology on Dec 6. As long as their donation can be properly used in scientific researches significant for human beings, the criticism of their "treason" is unfair and groundless, commented the Southern Metropolis Daily on Thursday.
The California Institute of Technology said the couple's donation will be spent building a neuroscience institute, with the aim of deepening understanding of how the brain works. Although they could donate to Chinese research institutes, CIT has a long history and occupies a leading position in biology and neuroscience studies. CIT is obviously a more rational choice, as it can directly use the money in breakthrough researches, and it has a strong research capacity in brain science.
Chen and Luo founded Shanda Interactive Entertainment Limited in 1999, which went on to become the largest online entertainment developer and publisher in China. They are longtime philanthropists who have provided funding toward medical programs for children in China and Mongolia, supported education for underprivileged families, and contributed to disaster relief and rebuilding efforts in China.
Through collaborations with top global universities, the Tianqiao and Chrissy Chen Institute at CIT will focus on three areas: brain discovery, treatment, and development. This gift to Caltech represents the first investment in this initiative.
"We chose Caltech as our first partner not just for their strong reputation as a leading research institution, but also for the admiration in their natural alignment with Shanda's culture, which is focused on creating excellence and discovery," said Luo.
There is no border in the world of science. Chen and Luo have the right to choose who they give their money to. It is narrow-minded to kidnap their good intentions with patriotism. Many research results originating from prestigious institutes and universities benefit the whole world.
