Bat virologist Shi Zhengli speaks out

Shi Zhengli Q&A.pdf



Bat virologist Shi Zhengli speaks out
Shi Zhengli’s group at the Wuhan Institute of Virology has long been at the centre of conspiracy theories about the origins of the coronavirus that causes COVID-19. In a rare interview, Zhengli — who has spent more than 15 years studying bat coronaviruses — addresses speculation that the virus could have been created in the institute. “Scientists from around the world have overwhelmingly concluded that SARS-CoV-2 originated naturally rather than from any institution,” she says. “US President Trump’s claim that SARS-CoV-2 was leaked from our institute totally contradicts the facts. It jeopardizes and affects our academic work and personal life. He owes us an apology.”
Science | 10 min read