An Artificial Intelligence (AI) employee is leaving Radboud University after reports of unwanted behaviour. An investigation into the employee's behaviour was already on-going. His employment will be terminated per 1 August.

Based on the results of the investigation, the Faculty of Social Sciences talked to the employee, as can be read in a news article on the university website. During this conversation, it was established that there was an ‘irreconcilable difference of opinion on the interpretation of the job position and the way in which the duties were performed’. It was therefore decided that the employee’s contract of employment will be terminated by mutual agreement.

Investigations

Following several reports of unwanted behaviour by the employee, an investigation was launched by the social faculty in spring 2022. After the results were announced within the faculty, new information emerged. It was then decided to launch an external follow-up investigation and that the employee was no longer welcome at the university. Pending the results of the external investigation, the employee was also not allowed to have any contact with students and colleagues.

The university would not disclose who the person involved is. It is said to be a man, but a university spokesperson would not confirm that. No announcements will be made about the outcome of the investigation, such as exactly how many reports were made, for privacy reasons.

Socially safe environment

‘We highly value a socially safe environment and we sympathise with all involved’, Dean Evelyn Kroesbergen told Vox earlier. She stated that students and staff who need a confidential conversation can contact the university’s confidential advisers.

Translated by Jan Scholten