University of Hamburg investigates claims regarding the dissertation of Brosius-Gersdorf - Investigating the Findings of Brosius-Gersdorf's Dissertation at the University of Hamburg
The University of Hamburg is currently conducting an investigation into allegations of potential scientific misconduct against constitutional court candidate Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf. The investigation was prompted by media reports about alleged parallels between her doctoral thesis and her husband's habilitation thesis.
The timeline of events began about two weeks before the investigation started, when media reports emerged highlighting these alleged parallels. Initially, the University of Hamburg did not see sufficient evidence to warrant a review. However, following further media coverage and the submission of well-founded reports to the University's ombudsman's office, an investigation was initiated. The office is statutorily obliged to examine such reports.
The investigation is proceeding with the principle of presumption of innocence, assessing the plausibility and significance of the allegations. An external scientific expert may be involved to evaluate the accusations.
As of now, there are no concrete findings published regarding the investigation. The allegations primarily concern potential similarities between Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's doctoral thesis and her husband's habilitation thesis, suggesting possible academic misconduct.
If the allegations meet certain criteria set by the university's statutes, a formal ombudsman procedure will be initiated for a preliminary examination. An external scientific expert may be engaged to provide an opinion on the allegations. Depending on the findings, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf could face disciplinary action if the allegations are substantiated. This could impact her nomination for the constitutional court position and her academic career.
If the investigation concludes that there is no misconduct, the allegations will be dismissed, and Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's academic and professional reputation would remain unaffected.
It is worth noting that Hubertus Gersdorf, Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's husband who works at the University of Potsdam, is also being investigated. A professor at the University of Leipzig is under investigation due to similar allegations.
Stefan Weber, an Austrian plagiarism hunter, published the parallels between Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's doctoral thesis and her husband's habilitation thesis. A short expert opinion commissioned by Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf and her husband from a law firm in Stuttgart found the allegations of scientific misconduct against her to be unfounded. However, the ombuds office has received substantiated allegations and is obliged to investigate them.
The allegations surfaced just before the judge election in the Bundestag, adding a layer of complexity to the proceedings. The Berlin "Tagesspiegel" previously reported these allegations.
The investigation is ongoing, and the outcomes will depend on the thoroughness and results of the ongoing investigation.
- In the midst of the ongoing investigation into scientific misconduct allegations against Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf, European countries are closely watching the proceedings as they have an impact on the general news and politics, particularly education-and-self-development, given the concerns about her doctoral and her husband's habilitation thesis.
- Despite initial skepticism, the proceedings of the investigation into Frauke Brosius-Gersdorf's allegations involve a focus on vocational training, as the office is examining well-founded reports that suggest potential issues with her doctoral thesis and possible academic misconduct, affecting not only her political aspirations but also her academic career.
