Recently, there has been a reshuffle in the leadership team of the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation Commission, with the deputy ministerial-level official Wang Xiqin’s profile being removed from the official website. Wang Xiqin previously served as the president of Tsinghua University.
According to the latest information on the official website of the Chinese National Natural Science Foundation Commission, Wang Xiqin is no longer a member of the Foundation’s party group and vice director (deputy ministerial level).
At the age of 57, Wang Xiqin had a long career at Tsinghua University, holding positions such as director of the Department of Electronic Engineering, vice dean of the School of Information Science and Technology, director of the Human Resources Office, director of the Talent Resources Development Office, assistant to the president, member of the university party committee, and vice president. In February 2022, he took on the role of vice president (deputy ministerial level) of Tsinghua University, but resigned in less than two years to take up the position of vice director at the National Natural Science Foundation Commission.
Considering Tsinghua University’s international reputation and status compared to the National Natural Science Foundation Commission, which is only a deputy ministerial-level unit, Wang Xiqin’s job transfer appears to be a “demotion.” With Wang Xiqin once again being removed from his position, his next steps are unclear.