CSIR suspends scientist

In my previous post I reported on the executive board of the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) suppressing the keynote address that one of its scientists, Dr Anthony Turton, would have delivered at its biennial Science: Real and Relevant conference. The board of the CSIR has now followed up its ill-considered action with the suspension and planned disciplinary hearing of Dr Turton. Not only this, it has vindictively forced him to vacate his office, surrender his computer and terminate his internet access.

A number of prominent scientists and environmental activists has expressed their disgust about these events, including Drs Carl Albrecht (CANSA), Francois Durand (University of Johannesburg) and Ms Mariette Lieferink (Federation for a Sustainable Environment). All expressed their concern about the suppression of science and scientists.

According to IOL, Dr Turton is to be charged with insubordination and bringing the CSIR into disrepute. If anyone brought the organisation in disrepute, however, it would seem to be its executive board for bowing to whatever political and/or corporate pressures it is being subjected to and for not standing by its scientists and their scientific findings.