Swiss perspectives in 10 languages

Professor takes ETH Zurich to court over bullying case

ETH building
A 2018 survey found that a quarter of doctoral students at the federal technology institute ETH Zurich say they are treated badly by their academic supervisors. © Keystone / Walter Bieri

A professor from the federal technology institute ETH Zurich, who was dismissed this summer over bullying accusations, has lodged a complaint against the university board. The case is expected to go to the Federal Administrative Court.

The ETH board confirmed on Thursday that the female professor had brought a case against the board, arguing that the accusations against her were false and that she was in fact the victim of bullying.

“We are of the opinion that there is no basis for the dismissal and it must be revoked,” the woman’s lawyer said.

In February 2017, several doctoral students alleged that the professor subjected students to condescending requests and late-night badgering about minor issues. The alleged bullying extends back more than ten years. The professor founded the university’s institute for astronomy along with her husband in 2002. 

In July 2019, she was dismissed following an investigation which revealed “serious breaches of duty over a longer period of time”. However, a commission reviewing the case did not recommend dismissal but rather that the professor not be permitted to supervise doctoral students.

This was the first time in ETH Zurich’s history that a professor had been dismissed from their post.

More
Students in a classroom at ETH Zurich

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.

Read more: ETH Zurich faces new bullying allegations

Popular Stories

Most Discussed

News

Gestational diabetes increases the risk of adult-onset diabetes

More

Gestational diabetes found to increase risk of adult-onset diabetes

This content was published on A research team from the Lake Geneva region has identified persistent dysfunctions in glucose regulation in women with gestational diabetes. In the long term, this can increase the risk of adult-onset diabetes by up to ten times.

Read more: Gestational diabetes found to increase risk of adult-onset diabetes
The Graubünden village of Brienz has to be evacuated by midday on Sunday

More

Swiss village must be evacuated by midday on Sunday

This content was published on The village of Brienz-Brinzauls in eastern Switzerland, which is threatened by a rockfall, must be evacuated by 1pm on Sunday. All residents must leave the village.

Read more: Swiss village must be evacuated by midday on Sunday
Former judge in Chur found guilty of rape

More

Former Swiss judge found guilty of rape

This content was published on A former judge of the Graubünden Administrative Court in eastern Switzerland has been found guilty of rape, sexual harassment and threatening a former trainee.

Read more: Former Swiss judge found guilty of rape

In compliance with the JTI standards

More: SWI swissinfo.ch certified by the Journalism Trust Initiative

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.

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR

SWI swissinfo.ch - a branch of Swiss Broadcasting Corporation SRG SSR