Biologist Rao Yi publishes an article laying out the full story of Zhu Yuejun’s research, clarifying ownership of academic achievements and the reasons he never graduated
Around September 23, 2024, biologist Rao Yi published “Facts Trump Emotion: Wang Zhenyi, Chen Zhu, Chen Saijuan’s Research and Zhu Yuejun” on his WeChat public account, carrying out a professional verification of the historical literature and timeline. Rao Yi pointed out that the core breakthrough of all-trans retinoic acid-induced differentiation therapy for leukemia predates Zhu Yuejun’s doctoral studies, so there was no plagiarism; Zhu Yuejun’s research foundation was at the doctoral level, and his failure to obtain a degree was the combined result of academic disputes, difficulties in interpersonal communication, and the evaluation mechanisms of the time. He called on the public to view this historical tragedy rationally rather than engaging in an emotional witch hunt.