Xu Xun is the Executive Director and Chief Scientist of BGI Group, Director of BGI-Research, Director of the International Planning & Development Center, Director of the key Provincial Laboratory of High Throughout Genome Sequencing and Gene Editing, Vice Chairperson of ISO/TC 276, Chairperson of ISBER in China. He has served as Executive Director of China National Genebank (CNGB).

Xu’s research is mainly in the field of genetic sequencing technologies where his work focuses on the research and development of sequencers and DNA synthesizers, single-cell sequencing, and the applications of sequencing technologies in disease management and agriculture.

Xu holds a PhD in genetics from Kunming Institute of Zoology, CAS.