Prominent Dutch astronomer barred for ‘extremely unacceptable’ behavior

The former head of the European Southern Observatory has been removed from his position by the University because of his behavior towards women. The university won't allow De Zeeuw to return and he won't be able to supervise the students. He will keep both of his jobs.

The Executive Board of the university says Dutch privacy law prevents them from publicly identifying the culprit. According to unnamed sources, the NRC was the first to mention De Zeeuw. A statement was sent to Science by his lawyer, who confirmed that he is the accused scientist. He acknowledged that he was impatient in an old-fashioned way and disagreed with the university's decision. I have never intended to hurt or harm people. I am very sorry that people have had a bad experience with my behavior.

The university has not made the report public, but a 21 October column by Executive Board President Annetje Ottow offered some details. Abuse of power, gender discrimination and belittling of staff are some of the things we are talking about. Ottow wrote that it also includes inappropriate behavior with an element of sexual intimidation. All of this was under threat of harm to the career of the person who made the complaint.

In his lawyer's statement, he confirmed that he was denied access to the buildings during the investigation of the allegations of inappropriate behavior. The investigation concluded that there had been sexual harassment on the basis of email correspondence and at least one unwanted physical approach, according to the lawyer. She said the media reports were incorrect.

The Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics severed ties with a researcher based on a university investigation, but didn't mention a name. The institute said they had no evidence of wrongdoing by the professor, but relied on the findings of the university. The profile on the website has been taken down.

The decision not to name the main figure in the case caused a week of uproar and speculation about his identity that led to colleagues denying involvement. If you are wondering if I am the professor who was dismissed at Leiden University, it is not me. The director of the Center for Astrophysics at the University of Porto said in an email that he had been encouraged by someone at the Leiden Observatory to post a similar statement. Dave Clements, an astronomer at Imperial College London, says that the University of Leiden chose to place every male astronomer under suspicion.

Ottow was in favor of not naming the harasser. She said that they are bound by strict privacy rules. There are good reasons for the decision not to fire De Zeeuw, who is 66 years old. I need to reveal the identity of the person concerned.

This is a very drastic measure for him. He is isolated and cannot have contact with staff or enter the building.

Others say he came out okay. The penalty is equivalent to an unlimited sabbatical. Many scientists would see this as a great chance.

The investigation has concluded, but a university spokesman wouldn't say anything else. The graduate student spoke to Science on condition of anonymity, and said that the university discouraged students and staff from speaking to the media.

He is a major figure in astronomy. He was appointed as a professor at the university in 1990 and became director of the observatory in 2003 and director general of the organization in 2007. His research focuses on the structure and dynamics of the universe.

The dean of the Faculty of Science reported the case of four women at the observatory to the Executive Board in May. The university's Complaints Committee for Unacceptable Behaviour issued its verdict last week, which led to the suspension of De Zeeuw.

Several sources who asked to remain anonymous told Science that De Zeeuw has a reputation for being power hungry and for being weird around women. The behavior was not egregious enough for the researcher to report it, but she discussed it with other women and found similar experiences. She says that he had no power over her as a person. I'm very thankful for that.

One of the women who worked with De Zeeuw as a junior astronomer says he called her a "good girl" and that she felt uncomfortable when she was alone with him. She was not surprised to hear about the panel's findings. She says the belittling and intimidating behavior was just another step from his demeanor.

The press officer wouldn't say if there were any similar complaints. According to a public statement from the organization, De Zeeuw had been banned from its premises and access to his IT account had been revoked.

Ottow admitted in her column that the university had received signals about De Zeeuw. She said that it was noticed but not enough was done about it. The work environment wasn't safe enough for this to go on for so long.

The scientist who was appointed scientific director of the observatory shortly after the investigation began is trying to clean up the mess. He is trying to be on the right side of the situation, but he is completely hemmed in by the law. Snellen wouldn't say anything. In an email to staff members seen by Science, he wrote that the institute would clarify its procedures and give training where needed.