TU Delft planet researcher leaves due to ‘paternalism’

TU Delft does not wish to comment on its personal situation for “privacy reasons”. The spokesperson generally wants to say that “there has been a process going on in the college to adapt the culture” for several years. For example, efforts are being made to achieve a better distribution between males and females.

Stam explained her departure to De Volkskrant. “There’s a paternalistic atmosphere that says, ‘We know what’s best for you and your research,'” she says in an article published on Tuesday. The scientist also says he feels “overlooked and ignored.” For example, she was not qualified for a professorship in her field, for reasons she believed did not apply to the person who was ultimately hired.

annoying

“At first, I was told I didn’t have to apply for the right professor position, because I’d never been a space instrument launch project leader,” says Stamm. “In retrospect, it turns out that the job requirements have been modified: the person being hired, for example, didn’t have their own tool in the room.” According to the outgoing researcher, anyone speaking out about the Big Boys Network is “difficult”.

A TU spokesperson agrees that it is important for the university to follow “developments in the community” and ensure an “appropriate reflection” on the community. He calls this the “never-ending process,” because there is always room for improvement. However, according to him, TU Delft is definitely busy with this. “Even with the outsiders,” he says. “It’s annoying if someone doesn’t recognize themselves in it.”

The spokesperson does not want to say anything about Stam herself and her considerations. “We never discuss staff leaving. You shouldn’t do that and then get all sorts of details about people in the media, which isn’t elegant.”