Managers suggested scientist have anger therapy

Published on 30/11/2005 00:14

ONE of Scotland's leading science institutes wanted the man who cloned Dolly the Sheep to have anger management therapy after he was accused of bullying an Asian colleague.

Professor Ian Wilmut is described as having a "short fuse" after an internal investigation into allegations made against him by a fellow scientist.

Managers at Roslin Institute, near Edinburgh, blamed Prof Wilmut's conflict on "ego and testosterone" and suggested he should seek anger management training for his temper.

The allegations against the professor were made by Dr Prim Singh, a leading genetic biologist, who is claiming race discrimination and unfair dismissal against the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Prof Wilmut, Professor Julia Goodfellow and Roslin Institute.

An employment tribunal in Edinburgh heard yesterday how Dr Singh, 45, raised a formal grievance against Prof Wilmut accusing him of denying resources, stealing work and bullying.

The grievance, raised in 2003, was thrown out by the institute, but the hearing heard how concerns were raised about Prof Wilmut's temper. The official investigation concluded that: "The professional relationship has deteriorated so far that we might consider professional anger management training for Ian Wilmut."

The confidential management document, produced as evidence in the tribunal, included statements from other scientists who admitted Prof Wilmut had a short temper. One said: "Ian does get angry but not threatening. He shouts a lot but that is all."

Another said: "Ian has a very short fuse but is easy to calm down. People should not provoke him."

Dr Singh claims Prof Wilmut refused to work with him following the claims.

The hearing continues.