The sacking of a scientist at the University of Copenhagen threatens freedom of research

This sets an awful precedent, I wonder how many other academics from Copenhagen (and other global Institutions) now fear being dismissed on similar flimsy grounds. If there is more to the story, then it should be instantly communicated to Prof. Thybo, if not, a reinstatement and public apology must follow.

I do not see sufficient (if any) arguments presented that would justify such an action. Independent of potential reasoning unknown to the public, the communication by the university seems insufficient and leaves a strange feeling with other scientists, who in general have to rely on the power of free thinking and the right to argue reasonably on all levels in order to do their job properly.

University Lecturer, University of Oslo

I am absolutely stunned to hear this news. It is unprecedented for any tenured academic to be treated in this manner, let alone somebody as prominent as Professor Thybo. Hans is somebody who has devoted many years of his life to service to his community, and is perceived worldwide to be a leader. Unless the University of Copenhagen can present a better justification for this action, then this will surely harm that university's reputation in the eyes of a significant portion of the scientific world. It will do even greater harm to the young people at the university, and hinder their efforts to attract the best people to the university. I sincerely hope that the Danish government executes due diligence and oversight in this matter, an investigation is in order.

It is really surprising to note that the way University of Copenhagen behaved and has violated the rights of teaching faculty and scientists in such an era when communications is the base of good research. Prof Thybo should be given a chance to state his point and reinstated without delay keeping the sanctity of the job of Scientists.

The reasons presented are very week and (from my point of view) do not justify the sacking of Hans Thybo. #principle of proportionality

As an academic, this is concerning and not OK.

Træls hva

The case as it is presented to the public sounds unjustified and political. Politics does not have a place at a university or in science.

I know Hans Thybo as a very skilled and friendly scientist, editor, organizer and lecturer. His sacking, which does not at all seem just, will damage Danish and international research in deep geophysics, tectonics and geodynamics. I hope KU will revoke their decision.

The reasons of firing are really poor. I do not like the politic things to influence research such heavily.

This sacking appears to be unfair and opaque treatement of a profoundly fair and transparent person and scientist.

Regretable and condemnable...

Unacceptable & Unjustifiable!

It is hard to believe that the two reasons given (email use, advice to a postdoc) are the real reasons for this dismissal, but if they are I think the President of the U Copenhagen should be dismissed, not Prof. Thybo

This firing is uacceptable!

Unacceptable & Unjustifiable!

Je suis Hans Thybo.

This reminds one more of Medieval times than the post-Renaissance and supposedly Enlightened times we (including, one must presume, the administration of the University of Copenhagen) consider to currently reign.

Absolutely appalling! I am aghast that such a venerable institution as the University of Copenhagen would take such a measure over such trivial issues.