The University of Cambridge's prestigious Institute of Astronomy is currently facing serious allegations of tolerating misogyny and a 'cycle of bullying' within its ranks. These claims have emerged during an employment tribunal, brought forward by Professor Wyn Evans, a professor of astrophysics at the institution.
Professor Evans, who previously stood for the University of Cambridge's chancellorship on an anti-bullying platform, asserts that the Institute of Astronomy possesses 'a bad history of misogyny'. He detailed instances where, he claims, one woman was 'hounded out of a job', another was 'left a frightened woman', and a third encountered 'aggressive professors' at the institute. The University of Cambridge has categorically denied these allegations, suggesting in turn that Professor Evans is pursuing a vendetta against the institute's director, a claim Professor Evans refutes.
The tribunal heard Professor Evans express deep concern for the welfare of a colleague, Dr Gudrun Tausch-Pebody, in 2021. He alleged that Dr Tausch-Pebody, a European Commission contracts manager, was issued an 'end of contract' notice despite available funding for her role and was being deliberately undermined by a senior colleague. Dr Tausch-Pebody, in a written submission, expressed gratitude to Professor Evans for his 'courage' in intervening, describing the 'end-of-contract letter' as 'akin to psychological torture' and stating that her work was undermined, which had an 'indelible effect' on her mental health.
Professor Evans claims he made whistleblowing disclosures outlining his concerns about Dr Tausch-Pebody's treatment and the institute's 'terrible record' in supporting female administrative staff. He alleges that instead of action being taken to protect Dr Tausch-Pebody, grievances were raised against himself and two other professors by the Institute of Astronomy's director, Professor Richard McMahon. While the university later dismissed these allegations against the professors due to a lack of evidence, Professor Evans noted it took almost two years for the university to do so.
The Institute of Astronomy is one of the largest departments of its kind globally, where researchers explore fundamental questions about the universe. The ongoing tribunal highlights significant concerns regarding workplace culture and accountability within a leading UK academic institution.