KNAW suspends Leiden professor

KNAW suspends Leiden professor

 

 

The professor of astronomy discredited for misconduct and intimidation has been suspended by science society KNAW. He subsequently resigned his membership.

 

The professor of astronomy was suspended earlier in October by Leiden University after years of intimidating behaviour. “The message from Leiden University about the seriously undesirable behaviour of its professor has also hit the KNAW hard, ” the science society’s website reads. “First and foremost, our hearts go out to the victims, on whose lives this case has an enormous impact. ”

 

Incidentally, the professor has also left the advisory board of research funding body NWO. Until last week, he was still in the list of names on the website. The European astronomy centre ESO, which he headed for 10 years, has also stated that he is no longer welcome there.

 

The professor disagrees with Leiden University’s actions. “However, I do recognise that in the past period I have occasionally been obnoxious and impatient in an old-fashioned way, which no longer fits the current spirit of the times.” (HOP, BB)