Researchers from the Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO) have publicly backed their current manager, José Manuel Bernabé, who is facing allegations of harassment made by a former employee, Laura Muñoz. They claim that Bernabé is being subjected to a strategic campaign aimed at removing him from his position to halt his ongoing investigations into alleged corruption within the organization that is currently under probe by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office.

As tensions rise, the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities plans to request Bernabé's dismissal following the internal complaint revealing the harassment claims. Critics argue that the timing of the complaint raises questions about its validity, suggesting it may be an attempt to derail Bernabé's inquiry into possible corrupt practices linked to the center's previous management. The scientific community's defense of Bernabé highlights the stakes involved and the internal conflicts within the CNIO.

This situation brings to light significant concerns about workplace ethics, governance, and the capacity for institutions to address allegations of misconduct without undermining their legitimacy. The outcome of this situation could have broader implications for how allegations of harassment are handled in the scientific community and the potential impact on ongoing investigations into corruption at the CNIO.