Baptist University biology researcher claims his political leanings have led to talk of his termination
Roger Wong Hoi-fung says if his contract is not renewed, it would derail ongoing studies to support new medicines for diabetes and fatty liver conditions.
A biology researcher on Wednesday claimed his recent participation in the election of Hong Kong representatives to the state legislature had affected his employment prospects at Baptist University, quoting “reliable faculty sources” who said his three-year contract would not be renewed when it expired in August next year.
Roger Wong Hoi-fung, a research assistant professor, said his work to support new medicines for diabetes and fatty liver conditions, endorsed by Hong Kong’s top research funder, would come to a standstill if his sources were right.
A Baptist University spokesman told the Post that “political factors” were not considered when it came to contract renewal for research assistant professors.
Other than research grants, which were taken as a reflection of staff performance, the university would also consider the relevant academic department’s manpower needs and financial situation.
The spokesman said the university would not comment on Wong’s case, citing privacy issues.
Wong, a member of the pro-democracy camp, was not elected as one of the 36 deputies to the National People’s Congress. He failed to get sufficient support from pan-democrats, who made up about 300 of 1,989 Hong Kong electors at the December 19 poll.