The organizations sever ties with the discredited Leiden professor De Zeeuw

On Wednesday, the Max Planck Institute immediately broke off relations with discredited Leiden theoretical astronomy professor Tim de Zeeuw. The institute, with which De Zeeuw was associated as an associate scientist, he says himself they have no indications of professor misconduct within their organization, but follow the judgment of the Leiden University Council. Who recently decided – while keeping his salary – to put him on hold, to deny him access to the university buildings, but to keep his name secret.

De Zeeuw himself first responded through his lawyer on Wednesday to the reason for his expulsion from Leiden University. Opposite scientific magazine Science De Zeeuw says he disagrees with the university’s decision to remove him, but acknowledges that he was “unpleasant and impatient in the old way” of female employees.

Furthermore, De Zeeuw states that it was never his intention to “hurt” people and find it “sinful” that his behavior was experienced as negative. Text Tuesday NRC that De Zeeuw has been guilty of intimidating and undesirable behavior towards co-workers for “several years”, including sexually transgressive behavior. At repeated requests from NRC De Zeeuw did not respond to a questionnaire that was sent to him.

The European Southern Observatory (ESO), the renowned research institute of which De Zeeuw was director from 2007 to 2017, has also banned it from all its buildings, the organization announced Wednesday evening. a written statement. The former professor is no longer welcome at ESO meetings. “At ESO, we are committed to creating a safe and professional working environment,” said the organization.

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