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ScienceGermany

Abuse of power at Germany's elite research institution

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ScienceGermany
Lewis Sanders IV | Esther Felden
03/13/2025March 13, 2025

The Max Planck Society is Germany's preeminent research organization,
boasting 31 Nobel laureates. But insufficient oversight leaves
international scientists exposed to abuse and the whims of the
institutes' directors.

  
       
https://p.dw.com/p/4rhZH
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The Max Planck Society is a figurehead of scientific research in
Germany: a big name, a stellar reputation, and top-notch facilities.
Anyone who makes it to one of its 84 institutes belongs to the elite:
an organization that counts 31 Nobel Prize laureates among its ranks.

But there is a dark side to its facade. For months, DW's
investigative unit, along with German news magazine Der Spiegel, has
investigated allegations of misconduct perpetrated by senior
scientific staff at Max Planck institutes.

We spoke to more than 30 young scientists, many of whom described
abusive behavior and toxic environments. They were afraid to report
the abuse, fearing the consequences. The few who did report say they
were discouraged from doing so.

DW goes behind the scenes of Germany's elite research institutes to
find out why abusive behavior and toxic work environments remain
resilient in the face of opposition.

 
Lewis Sanders IV Investigations
Esther Felden Investigative reporter@estherfelden
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