Professor takes ETH Zurich to court over bullying case
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
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.
Should Switzerland take measures to support its struggling industries?
Industrial policies are back in fashion, not only in the United States but also in the EU. Should Switzerland, where various industries are struggling, draw inspiration from such policies?
As a Swiss Abroad, how do you feel about the emergence of more conservative family policies in some US states?
In recent years several US states have adopted more conservative policies on family issues, abortion and education. As a Swiss citizen living there, how do you view this development?
This content was published on
A committee of Switzerland’s House of Representatives has found the people’s initiative to limit fireworks too extreme, but has suggested a counter-proposal.
UN investigators report evidence of crimes in Syria and call for national dialogue
This content was published on
UN investigators in Geneva report ample evidence of crimes in Syria and urge the regime to follow through on its promise of a national dialogue.
Swiss Trade Union warns EU deal could threaten wages
This content was published on
The Swiss Trade Union Federation warns that the new bilateral agreement between Switzerland and the EU could threaten wage protection and public services.
Credit Suisse fines from Mozambique scandal to fund victims’ compensation
This content was published on
The fines imposed on Credit Suisse for the Mozambique scandal will be allocated to a fund for the victims, amounting to $105.5 million.
‘Confederation is a subsidy machine’: Swiss finance minister
This content was published on
The Swiss government is a machine for distributing subsidies to various actors in the country, says finance minister Karin Keller-Sutter.
Lack of funds ends third bid to salvage Säntis ship from Swiss lake
This content was published on
A third attempt to salvage the steamship Säntis, lying at the bottom of Lake Constance in Switzerland since 1933, has failed before it has even begun.
Nestlé Waters on trial in France over illegal waste dumps
This content was published on
Bottled water producer Nestlé Waters to stand trial, accused of illegally dumping waste and maintaining unauthorised dumps.
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 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
Some of the colleagues of a professor couple facing bullying allegations at the ETH Zurich have written an open letter of support.
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.
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.