Despite sexual harassment shadow, biologist David Sabatini lands job at top Czech institute

David Sabatini, the high-flying biologist who lost positions at three prominent U.S. institutions after breaching sexual misconduct policies, last month began a new job as a senior scientist at the Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry Prague (IOCB), a powerful arm of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The hire has divided Czech scientists and is likely to ignite debate about whether and when institutions should give second chances to those who commit sexual misconduct. “I am very honored to join IOCB and excited to be able to again mentor younger scientists, contribute to biological research, and participate in the scientific community,” Sabatini told Science an email. He added that he spent much of the past two years “of deep sorrow” in reflection. “In my new lab I will be extra vigilant to make sure that all lab members feel welcome and I will institute measures to uncover potential issues even if they are not brought to my attention…. I will try my best to not cause offense of any kind.” IOCB director Jan Konvalinka said in a statement: “We believe that [Sabatini] has been punished enough for his previous actions and that the research community will be served best if this brilliant scientist returns to research.” He added that IOCB “will require that Dr. Sabatini follows the same high standards of conduct and respectful behavior that is expected from every other principal investigator.” In 2021, the Howard Hughes Me...
Source: Science of Aging Knowledge Environment - Category: Geriatrics Source Type: research