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39 top overseas academics recruited under Hong Kong talent scheme, but some say shortage of lab resources, high property costs a deterrent
- Limited lab space, lack of modern equipment, and high rents putting off academic staff from overseas, foreign scientists say
- Shortage of trained personnel at technical, PhD and postdoctoral levels also hampering development
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Hong Kong has succeeded in recruiting dozens of internationally recognised academics to its universities in recent months, but some said limited laboratory space and lack of modern equipment, as well as high rents, could deter others from opting for the city.
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David Parker, 66, became chair professor of chemistry at Baptist University (HKBU) in September last year after a distinguished career at the prestigious Durham University in Britain.
Parker, who earned his doctorate from the prestigious Oxford University, told the Post that HKBU had attracted him to Hong Kong.
“Notably, HKBU chemistry relates to building a community of creative and talented people who can work together in interdisciplinary research,” he said.
The recipient of numerous honours in the United Kingdom, Parker is a Fellow of the Royal Society and was also awarded the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) Tilden Lectureship and silver medal, as well as the RSC Ludwig Mond Medal for inorganic chemistry.
The scientist was taken on under a government-funded programme designed to lure international talent in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) to Hong Kong – the Global STEM Professorship Scheme.
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