A prominent tree researcher, Thomas Crowther, has been embroiled in a scandal at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) after an investigation revealed that he blurred personal and professional relationships in his lab and breached internal rules on financial and hiring compliance. The university has decided not to renew Crowther’s contract, and his lab is being dismantled. Some lab members have accused ETH Zurich of a flawed and biased investigation, calling for an independent review.
Forecast for 6 months: ETH Zurich will face increased scrutiny and potential backlash from the scientific community and the public over its handling of the Crowther case. This may lead to changes in the university’s policies and procedures for investigating and addressing allegations of misconduct.
Forecast for 1 year: The Crowther scandal will have a lasting impact on the scientific community, leading to a renewed focus on issues of power dynamics, conflicts of interest, and workplace culture in research institutions. This may result in a shift towards more transparent and accountable research practices.
Forecast for 5 years: The scandal will have contributed to a broader cultural shift in the scientific community, with a greater emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion. Research institutions will be more proactive in addressing issues of power and privilege, and promoting a culture of respect and accountability.
Forecast for 10 years: The Crowther scandal will be remembered as a turning point in the history of scientific research, marking a significant shift towards greater transparency, accountability, and inclusivity. Research institutions will have implemented robust policies and procedures to prevent similar scandals from occurring in the future.
