José Manuel Bernabé, the managing director of Spain's National Center for Oncological Research (CNIO), has resigned after only five months in the position. His resignation comes in the wake of a sexual harassment claim against him while he had also reported multiple alleged corrupt practices related to his predecessor, Juan Arroyo. This situation has shed light on the troubling dynamics within the institution, where Bernabé had sought to initiate reforms following unsettling findings during his tenure.

The allegations against Bernabé are serious, with claims of sexual harassment initiated by Laura Muñoz, the former general secretary at CNIO, who filed a complaint to the Human Resources department. This complaint was reportedly a response to potential retaliation she might face after reporting the corrupt practices allegedly linked to Arroyo and his associates. The Ministry of Science had reportedly requested his removal amid these controversies, creating a significant political and institutional fallout.

The consequences of this resignation and the surrounding allegations could reverberate throughout the CNIO, impacting its operations and the integrity of its governance. Bernabé's discovery of corrupt practices could lead to a broader investigation into the institution, and it reflects a crucial moment in addressing misconduct in scientific institutions in Spain. How this unfolds may set a precedent for governance and accountability in public research institutions.