The ETH is well-known for its Nobel laureates, cutting-edge research, Start-ups, robotics. The ETH is also known for bullying, sexual harassment, and scientific misconduct. Meanwhile, each Department knows its own case of abuse. Finally, it met the Empa – a research Institute within the ETH domain. Insiders still speak “from the tip of the iceberg”.

The “Tages-Anzeiger” and other media have revealed some of the incidents, meanwhile, the ETH-Zurich media speaker operate as a fire extinguisher. It is just communicated as much as necessary, usually a little less, much remains Nebulous. The Problem is clearly nameable: It is about abuse of power and harmful to the image of respect.

the judgment of The supervisor decides on the career

the Power of The ETH, located at the professors. You will be enticed with the world’s highest high-school salaries, and an exemplary infrastructure in Switzerland. A Professor teaches, conducts research, and directs a medium to large scientific production. Whose core business is publications in many international journals, in print and quote. Publications of the Diesel that drives higher education institutions in the Rankings to the top.

For optimal absorption, it needs hard-working doctoral students. They are the cheap labour of the professors. Around 4100 people are currently studying at the University for her PhD. That’s the equivalent of one-fifth of the workforce, and the trend is rising. Their contracts are often temporary and last as long as you are the supervisor for a specific research project needs. In this relationship, the Professor is powerful. He acts as a boss, Mentor, supervisor, expert in personal Union. His judgment decides on the further career development, it creates a dangerous dependency.

the courage to be notice

asked about The measures taken so far by the ETH against power abuse are discouraged. The respect campaign, which propagated a correct behavior, could even be harmful. She dangled before that grievances could be solved through the distribution of leaflets. The University should avoid to speak of a few black sheep among the professors. So you are misreading the Situation, because it allows at a structural level, the Work of the black sheep in the first place.

The ETH should not leave it this way to send their professors in Anti-bullying courses. They should curtail their Power. A multiple support for doctoral students would not be a visionary approach, but effective. He is long practiced at other universities successfully. Against the offending professors, it needs a transparent investigation process worthy of the name. This means that No legal advantage for the accused, not a one-sided insight into the study Protocol by the professors, and a guaranteed protection for the Whistleblower.

The ETH should also have the courage to terminate an offending Professor, to encourage him only to Leave the University. The will have to dig a little Dirt on and would end the academic career of the person Concerned. However, Joël Mesot, the new President of ETH Zurich, has now the Chance to make it right. He will not come to uncomfortable Decisions.

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 26.02.2019, 21:56 PM