Allegations of abuse at Germany's Max Planck Society

The Max Planck Society, a leading German research organization, faces allegations of abuse and misconduct among its staff. An investigation revealed that many international scientists, particularly women and people of color, reported experiences of bullying and harassment by senior staff. Despite previous efforts to improve workplace conditions, including a Code of Conduct, cases of abuse continue. Many junior scientists fear retaliation if they report misconduct, leading to a culture of silence around these issues. The Max Planck Society has not publicly disclosed data on misconduct reports or investigations. It maintains that it prioritizes confidentiality for those who report issues, but many scientists feel discouraged from coming forward.