New Delhi, Apr 24: At least 19 top scientists from the United States and China have reportedly died or gone missing under mysterious circumstances in recent years, raising concerns among experts and authorities.
According to reports, at least 10 American scientists associated with sensitive nuclear and aerospace research have either disappeared or died over the past few years. It has now emerged that nine Chinese scientists engaged in space, defence, and nuclear technology have also perished or gone missing, The Federal, a US-based publication, reported.
In many cases, the incidents have been attributed to accidents, illnesses, or unclear causes. However, taken together, they are drawing increased scrutiny, with some experts questioning whether a broader pattern may be at play.
In the US, those who died or went missing include a nuclear physicist and professor at MIT who was shot dead outside his residence in Massachusetts, a retired Air Force general who went missing from his home in New Mexico, and an aerospace engineer who disappeared while hiking in Los Angeles.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has confirmed it is leading efforts to investigate potential links between the missing and deceased scientists. It is working in coordination with the Departments of Energy and Defense, along with state and local law enforcement agencies.
The development follows a statement by the House Oversight Committee, which said it would examine reports related to the cases. According to the Los Angeles Times, the committee has sought information from relevant agencies, including NASA, which oversees the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California—where some of the affected scientists were employed.
NASA said it is “coordinating and cooperating with relevant agencies” regarding the matter.
US lawmakers have expressed concern, with some viewing the incidents as a potential national security issue.
Meanwhile, Chinese scientists who died in recent years include experts in drone technology, space research, and hypersonic systems. Reported causes range from illness and medical conditions to accidents, including a late-night car crash. The scientists were aged between 26 and 68.
Chinese media outlets have also taken note of the trend, describing the deaths as “extremely uncommon.” Some reports have raised concerns about a possible pattern, while speculation and conspiracy theories continue to circulate.
The South China Morning Post reported that a database tracking the deaths of young Chinese scientists has triggered debate, fuelling concerns about a troubling trend within the academic and research community.
