Resolution Revolution Pioneer Alexey Amunts Leaves Max Planck to Join China’s SMART

Cell biologist Alexey Amunts, a leading figure behind the so-called resolution revolution in structural biology, has relocated to China to take up a senior role at the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, marking another high-profile move by an international scientist into China’s expanding research ecosystem.

Amunts, an expert in mitochondrial biochemistry and advanced imaging techniques, confirmed this month that he has joined the Shenzhen Medical Academy of Research and Translation, commonly known as SMART. He previously held a prominent research position at the Max Planck Institute in Germany, one of Europe’s most prestigious scientific institutions.

In his new role, Amunts will serve as a senior investigator at SMART, where he said he would also contribute to the academy’s international relations agenda. His appointment is seen as a significant boost for the Shenzhen-based institution, which has been positioning itself as a global hub for cutting-edge biomedical research and translational science.

Amunts is widely recognised for his work using cryo-electron microscopy to reveal the structure of complex biological systems at near-atomic resolution. His research has been central to advances in understanding how mitochondria function at the molecular level, shedding light on processes linked to energy production, ageing, and a range of diseases. The resolution revolution refers to breakthroughs in imaging technology that have transformed the ability of scientists to visualise biological structures in unprecedented detail.

The move comes at a time when China is intensifying efforts to attract top international talent in strategic scientific fields. Institutions like SMART offer generous funding, modern infrastructure, and the opportunity to build large interdisciplinary teams. For researchers, this environment can provide greater freedom to pursue ambitious projects that might face constraints elsewhere.

Amunts’ departure from the Max Planck Institute also reflects broader shifts in global science. European research organisations remain highly respected, but many scientists face growing competition for funding and increasing administrative burdens. China, by contrast, has been investing heavily in life sciences, artificial intelligence, and advanced imaging, aiming to close gaps with the United States and Europe while developing its own centres of excellence.

SMART, based in Shenzhen, has been designed to bridge basic research and clinical application, focusing on turning scientific discoveries into medical solutions. By recruiting internationally recognised scientists, the academy is seeking to raise its global profile and strengthen collaboration with research institutions worldwide.

Amunts said his role would include helping SMART expand its international partnerships, suggesting that his experience in Europe and global research networks will be used to connect Chinese scientists more closely with peers abroad. Observers say this dual focus on science and international engagement reflects China’s desire not only to import expertise, but also to shape global research agendas.

The move may also attract attention in Europe, where the departure of prominent scientists to China has sometimes sparked debate about talent flows and competitiveness. Supporters of open science argue that mobility benefits global research, while critics worry about a gradual erosion of Europe’s scientific leadership.

For China, the recruitment of researchers like Amunts is part of a long-term strategy to move from being primarily a manufacturing and application-driven economy to one that leads in fundamental discovery. Life sciences and biomedical research are seen as critical to that ambition, especially as the country faces an ageing population and rising healthcare demands.

As Amunts settles into his new role in Shenzhen, his work will be closely watched by both Chinese and international scientific communities. His move underscores how rapidly the global map of scientific excellence is evolving, with China increasingly positioning itself as a destination not just for collaboration, but for leadership in frontier research.