The Tages Anzeiger and NZZ report on an assistant professor at ETH Zurich who is departing after an investigation revealed concerning management issues. Several doctoral students reportedly left his supervision due to his bossy, egotistical, and demanding personality. An employee described their time under him as the “darkest time” of their life. Following an investigation initiated after a complaint to the university ombudsman, the professor left the university and will not receive a permanent position. The university has not disclosed details but has reassigned his remaining research group members to other supervisors.
ETH Zurich taking action against workplace bullying is a welcome development in the fight for safer academic environments. Holding those accountable for bullying creates a more respectful workplace culture, a goal for Speak Up! movements across institutions. We hope that this example can be a deterrent for similar abuse of power situations in academic settings.