which might have considerable bearing on dietary strategies not only for Hong Kong but for many parts of China. Professor Davies requested a grant of HK$130,820 for one year. This was granted, and Professor Davies was asked to submit a detailed report at the end of that period so that it could then be decided whether support for a longer period would be required.
6. Dr. Stevenson Fung's Research
It was reported that Dr. Fung's work on semi-conductors had proceeded well but that its further development would require a new and more sensitive germanium detector to replace the lead sulphide detector currently in use. In the light of the application received through Professor Newman and a visit by the Chairman to Dr. Fung's laboratory, it was agreed to make a grant of HK$50,000 for the purchase of a germanium detector.
7. Grants for overseas training of staff members
a. A grant of HK$13,382.40 was made to Dr. D.P. Huang, a Scientific Officer in the Medical and Health Department of the Hong Kong Government to attend a course on the Biological Basis of Radiotherapy organised by the British Council in London. b. A grant of £2,000 was made to the Chinese University of Hong Kong in order that its Senior Assistant Bursar should study the computerisation of financial operations at selected British universities.
c. A grant of £2,500 was given to Dr. K.K. Mark, Senior Lecturer in Biology in the Chinese University of Hong Kong, to enable him to visit London for nine months and collaborate with Professor B.S. Hartley of the Imperial College of Science and Technology in research on the genes and control proteins responsible for the switch from aerobic to anaerobic metabolism in E. coli and yeast (Pasteur Effect) and its modulation by glucose (Crabtree Effect).
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d. A travel grant HK$21,711.60 was made to Dr. Chan, Kai Ming, Lecturer in the.
Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatic Surgery, the Chinese University of Hong Kong, to attend a three-month course in Sports Medicine at the Universities of Ottawa and Toronto.
8. Molecular Genetics
A proposal was received from Professor T.R.C. Boyde for support in the development of molecular genetics in the Department of Biochemistry, University of Hong Kong. This area of biological research is of great potential importance and the Trustees were anxious to encourage the development of a strong effort both in research and teaching in a field so far poorly represented in Hong Kong. After full consideration they agreed to provide the Department with a grant of HK$205,000 for general equipment and radiochemicals and a further grant of HK$85,000 per annum for three years to meet the special requirements of the promising research of Dr. K.S.E. Cheah on the molecular biology of collagen genes and inherited collagen diseases. This grant for Dr. Cheah's work supplements an earlier 'starting up" grant of HK$50,000 for the academic year 1983-84 made following her appointment to a staff position in the Biochemistry Department in 1983. It is hoped that research in the molecular genetics field will now enter on a period of growth in the Department of Biochemistry and that it may in due course become integrated with the broader development of biotechnology in Hong Kong.
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