Professor Wyn Evans, an astrophysicist at the University of Cambridge, has accused the university's Institute of Astronomy of tolerating misogyny and a "cycle of bullying" in an employment tribunal. The claim also alleges that the university retaliated against whistleblowers.
Allegations of Misogyny
Evans, who last year ran for chancellor of the university on an anti-bullying manifesto, said the institute has "a bad history of misogyny." He claimed one woman was "hounded out of a job," another was left "a frightened woman," and a third faced "aggressive professors" at the institute. The university denies these claims and accuses Evans of a vendetta against the institute's director, which Evans denies.
Concerns for Colleague
During the tribunal in Bury St Edmunds, Evans became emotional as he described his concern for colleague Dr Gudrun Tausch-Pebody in 2021. He said, "We were faced with a critical situation." Akua Reindorf KC, representing the university, suggested Evans' emotional testimony about a former colleague's suicide was "crocodile tears." Evans replied, "No, and that is an offensive thing to say."
Dr Tausch-Pebody joined the institute in 2012 as a European Commission contracts manager. In June 2021, she received an "end of contract" notice despite available funding, according to Evans. He alleged she was deliberately undermined by a senior colleague, which the university denies. In a written submission, Dr Tausch-Pebody thanked Evans for his "courage" in intervening to protect her from alleged bullying. She wrote, "Prof Evans' concern for me was based on my distress. He saw a pattern of repeated and seemingly tolerated mistreatment of female members of the administrative staff. What was done with this end-of-contract letter was akin to psychological torture."
Dr Tausch-Pebody claimed her work was undermined, discredited, and diminished by a superior, which had an "indelible effect" on her mental health. Evans described agonizing over what to do, contacting colleagues, and fearing for her life. He felt relief when he saw emails from her the next morning, indicating she was still alive.
Whistleblowing and Retaliation
Evans submitted whistleblowing disclosures about Dr Tausch-Pebody's treatment by senior staff. He claimed the institute had a "terrible record" of supporting female administrative staff. No action was taken to protect her, but grievances were raised against Evans and two other professors by institute director Prof Richard McMahon. Evans said, "It is unprecedented in Cambridge University for a head of department to make a grievance against three professors simultaneously." The university dismissed McMahon's allegations, citing lack of evidence, but Evans noted it "took almost two years for the university to dismiss" the complaint.
Colleague Prof Vasily Belokurov, who recently won the 2026 Kavli prize for astrophysics, said in a written submission: "The outcome of the extended investigations into Wyn Evans … was that our research group faced near collapse."
Defamation Case
Evans initiated separate defamation proceedings against McMahon, claiming the grievance allegations were defamatory. He said McMahon fought the case "relying on the university's support and funding through its insurance policy." In 2023, a preliminary judgment found McMahon's statements defamatory, and the case was settled out of court.
Evans said he has "lost all faith in the basic integrity of senior people in my university" since making the complaint in 2021. "Looking back, I could never have imagined the scale of destruction in my life that would follow."
Tribunal Proceedings
The tribunal is assessing whether Evans faced detrimental treatment due to whistleblowing. Reindorf claimed Evans' allegations were part of an "obsessive vendetta" against McMahon, and the university is defending the claim "at very great expense." McMahon denies the allegations and is scheduled to give evidence in person this week. A university spokesperson said: "The university strongly rejects these claims and is vigorously defending this case." The tribunal continues.
