Chinese scientist who revealed Covid-19 genome is expelled from laboratory

In recent weeks, photos of the virologist Chinese Zhang Yongzhen sleeping outside his research laboratory was reported on social media. The images shocked because he was the first person to publicly disclose the genome sequence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19.

To do this, he published his study with the researcher on a discussion forum called Virological. This movement by scientists allowed the rapid development of vaccines against the disease.

For all his work, Yongzhen became famous and was recognized internationally. In 2020, he was featured on Nature’s 10 list. In 2022, he received the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Prize for Knowledge, with a scholarship of US$1 million (approximately R$5.1 million, in direct conversion).

Thus, upon seeing him camping outside his laboratory, at the SPHCC (Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, its acronym in English), a controversy began. According to the researcher, he was expelled from his workplace by Fudan University, where the center is located.

Understand the case of the virologist

Yongzhen is a virologist who researches pathogens, that is, those viruses that are capable of causing disease. Therefore, he works in a level 3 biosafety laboratory, which contains equipment and requires specific care so that the microorganisms studied do not harm researchers or go beyond the laboratory environment.

According to the scientist told Nature, the SPHCC gave him and his team just two days to leave the lab. The center declared that the site needed renovation and offered researchers an alternative space.

However, Yongzhen says SPHCC did not initially specify where they should move. Only later did they designate a laboratory – which was not capable of hosting research that requires level 3 biosafety.

While the situation was not resolved, Yongzhen slept outside, in the sun or rain, in front of the laboratory where the viruses he was studying were kept. Now, another researcher on his team, Chen Yanmei, told Nature that the experiments carried out at the site are “impossible to save”.

The reason for the confusion is still unclear. While SPHCC claims reform, there are two other possibilities. The first, presented by Edward Holmes, co-author of the study that revealed the genome of SARS-CoV-2says that what happened is the institution’s retaliation for the fact that Yongzhen shared unauthorized data.

The second, filed by a doctor who heads the SPHCC, says that Yongzhen’s contract had expired, but he refused to leave the laboratory. Regarding this, the scientist responded on his social networks that, although his own contract with the SPHCC formally expired in 2023, members of his team renewed their contracts with the hospital. In addition, the laboratory would also receive funding for research.

Outcome for scientist who revealed Covid-19 genome?

In recent days, the situation appears to have normalized. On his social media, but only on Tuesday night, Yongzhen announced he and the SPHCC had entered into a provisional agreement. They must now resume laboratory research.