ETH Zurich moves to fire professor accused of bullying
A professor from the former Institute for Astronomy at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich is set to be dismissed. The proceedings are based on an administrative investigation following allegations that the professor had displayed “unsatisfactory leadership behaviour”.
This content was published on
2 minutes
Keystone-SDA/ts
Português
pt
Universidade suíça deve demitir professora por assédio
The unnamed professor, who founded the university’s Institute for Astronomy with her husband in 2002, had been accused of subjecting students to condescending requests and late-night badgering about minor issues, according to the NZZ am Sonntag, which broke the story.
The alleged bullying, which came to light in February 2017 following allegations by several doctoral students, extends back more than ten years.
As an immediate measure, the affected students were assigned another tutor in March 2017. In addition, the Institute for Astronomy was shut down in August 2017 and parts of it integrated into the new Institute for Particle Physics and AstrophysicsExternal link.
The administrative investigation, which was initiated a year ago, has now established “serious behaviour contrary to obligations over a longer period of time”, ETH Zurich said on Wednesday. The lead investigator recommended a termination of employment.
“The investigative report proves there was unacceptable behaviour, which we cannot tolerate,” the institute’s president, Lino Guzzella, said in a statement.
A commission is initially responsible for judging whether the professor’s dismissal is reasonable. The recommendation of the commission and the request of the institute’s president will then be submitted to the ETH Zurich board for a decision.
More
More
ETH Zurich faces new bullying allegations
This content was published on
A quarter of doctoral students at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich say they are treated badly by their academic supervisors.
This content was published on
Nemo brought the Eurovision Song Contest to Switzerland with a victory on Saturday evening in Malmö, Sweden. It is Switzerland's third victory in the history of the music contest.
Switzerland abstains from vote on Palestinian bid for full UN membership
This content was published on
On Friday, Switzerland abstained from the vote at the General Assembly on granting the Palestinians new rights at the United Nations (UN).
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
ETH Zurich opens enquiry into professor bullying case
This content was published on
ETH Zurich has announced that it is opening an independent administrative enquiry into allegations of bullying against two professors.
University bullying case brings ‘professor power’ into question
This content was published on
The alleged bullying ranges back more than ten years, raising concerns that professors might enjoy too much power at Swiss universities. The allegations centre on an unnamed female professor who set up the university’s Institute for Astronomy with her husband in 2002. She is accused of subjecting numerous students to late-night badgering on minor issues,…
This content was published on
The move comes two days after the resignation of the university’s rector, Andreas Fischer, over the affair. Fischer said in a statement that he took “ultimate responsibility” for the situation and that his decision was “in the interest of the university”. Ritzmann, a professor at the university’s Institute for the History of Medicine, was dismissed…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.