José Manuel Bernabé, the current managing director of the National Center for Oncological Research (CNIO) in Spain, is facing allegations of sexual harassment as a complaint has been filed against him in the Human Resources department of the institution. The Spanish Ministry of Science, led by Diana Morant, is calling for his dismissal due to these serious charges. Surprisingly, Bernabé's short term of just five months in this role has already led him to uncover numerous alleged corrupt practices associated with his predecessor, Juan Arroyo, and the staff surrounding him, including the complainant, Laura Muñoz.

In a significant revelation, Bernabé quietly informed the corruption investigators and the police about a suspicious appointment created for Laura Muñoz. He alleged that in February 2025, during his short tenure, a position was specifically tailored for her that she alone could fulfill, complete with public recruitment within a remarkably fast timeframe of just 10 days. This was particularly striking given that the position offered an unusually high salary of 69,000 euros, raising suspicions about the irregularities involved in the hiring process and the motivations behind it.

The unfolding situation highlights a troubling combination of allegations, where a manager accused of sexual harassment simultaneously navigates a web of corruption within the institution. It raises important questions about workplace ethics, accountability, and how such allegations can unfold in institutions meant to lead cancer research and healthcare in Spain. As investigations proceed, the implications for CNIO's reputation and governance will be closely scrutinized, exemplifying a clash between institutional integrity and personal misconduct.