Nature Research Centre Head Stripped of Duties After Harassment Claims

An academic and professional relationship at the Nature Research Centre has turned into a harassment scandal involving a senior researcher who holds the Order For Merits to Lithuania.

Professional Meeting Escalates at a Private Countryside Estate

According to the employee’s account to TV3, the ordeal began after a scientific event in a neighboring town. The senior researcher proposed traveling to his countryside estate to discuss professional matters. Although the employee stated he does not consume alcohol, he alleged that the senior scientist pressured him to drink cider.

The situation intensified when the master’s student was allegedly compelled to enter a hot tub naked under the justification that it was a laboratorijos vyrų tradicija. According to the darbuotojas, once both were unclothed in the tub, the senior doctor began touching his knees and feet while making explicit comments about his anatomy.

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Nighttime Assault Allegations and Internal Center Investigation

The employee reported that the harassment continued indoors after he returned to the house and fell asleep.

Denials, Suspension, and Ongoing Legal Review

The accused doctor, whose identity and achievements include national honors, has been removed from his leadership role over the complainant. Speaking with TV3, the scientist dismissed the allegations entirely, characterizing the claims as defamation while acknowledging that they were together at the country house consuming alcohol.

In addition to notifying internal management at the research center, the employee turned to law enforcement. Prosecutors have granted him whistleblower status regarding the case, though a formal decision on whether to launch a pre-trial investigation remains pending.