Two academic women faced severe criticism and public shaming for their research on the intersection of gender and professional life.
In the spring of 2023, a scientific study on the career aspirations of female students at ETH Zurich caused a significant stir, leading to a massive protest and controversy that echoed throughout the academic community.
The study, led by two established professors, aimed to explore the career aspirations of female students in the STEM fields. However, the findings of the study seemed to have political implications that sparked a wave of criticism and protests.
Journalists wrote numerous articles criticizing the study, and the authors faced personal attacks and insults as a result. The two professors were defamed and insulted for weeks, and the backlash against the study was significant, involving various forms of protest and criticism.
The university's response to the controversy was to host a panel event where the professors were questioned about their research. The event was treated like a trial, with the two academics facing intense scrutiny and questioning.
The protest was triggered solely by the political undesirability of the results of the study. A petition against the study gathered nearly 3000 signatures, and several open protest letters were written, one of which was from 88 ETH professors.
The results of the study have now become apparent, and it seems that the controversy stemmed from the study's content, methodology, or interpretations that might have been perceived as controversial or biased regarding female students' career aspirations.
Despite extensive media coverage, detailed accounts of the incident are hard to come by, as there are no direct search results specifically explaining the reasons for the protest and controversy. It is likely that the controversy arose from the study's findings, which may have been seen as contentious or politically undesirable.
For those seeking more information on this incident, it is recommended to check ETH Zurich press releases, university archives, or news outlets from around 2023 for detailed accounts of the event.
Other scientific research in health-and-wellness, such as women's health, could potentially face similar controversies, given the political implications that can arise when findings challenge existing norms or stereotypes. The incident at ETH Zurich serves as a reminder that academic freedom is crucial for the progression of science and the betterment of society.
