A former DNA researcher fired for ‘gross mistakes’ has landed a new role

Former staff and students of former DNA researcher Alan Cooper were shocked that Charles Sturt University appointed him a faculty member after the University of Adelaide sacked him in 2019 for “serious misconduct”. But others say they still have important things to do with science.

Before he was sacked from the University of Adelaide amid allegations he abused staff and students, Cooper was well known in his profession. As director of the university’s Australian Center for Ancient DNA (ACAD), he used genetics to explain the migrations of ancient humans and their livestock around the world. His work was published in Science and Nature (NatureIts content does not depend on its publisher).

In words to Naturea spokesman for Charles Sturt University confirmed Cooper’s appointment to the Gulbali Institute for Agriculture, Water and Environment, located in Albury-Wodonga, saying that Cooper “is a leader in the development of ancient DNA research and has been involved in many projects. important first discoveries in the field. They bring important international networks and success to Charles Sturt University”.

But some of Cooper’s former colleagues and students, he spoke to Nature On condition of anonymity, he expressed dismay at the university’s decision to hire him.

One of his former students said: “Considering everything that many people see, it’s amazing that Charles Sturt Uni accepted this with their legal and risk-taking team.”

Nic Rawlence, who was Cooper’s student at ACAD and has spoken in the past, said that Cooper’s actions made him “concern for the welfare of the junior staff or students that Alan Cooper is responsible for managing. them”.

A former student said: “As far as I can see, his repeated behavior shows that he cannot be safely placed in any position over others, but he should not be permanently inactive and still have meaningful scientific responsibility to perform.”

In an email to Nature, Cooper says that since leaving the University of Adelaide, he has studied professional consultancy and management. “[This] it has taught me a lot in the last three years. “I am confident that Charles Sturt’s strong methods will help me and my colleagues to produce better research results.”

Getting fired

The University of Adelaide suspended Cooper in August 2019, following an investigation into ACAD’s ‘culture’. Then, in December, it fired him. At the time, the university said it had no comment on the incident, but it was not related to the quality or integrity of Cooper’s research. The findings of the study have not been made public.

Cooper began offering counseling and planning services through a company called BlueSky Genetics, which he founded the following year. According to a statement on the company’s website, Cooper began legal proceedings against the University of Adelaide for unfair dismissal in January 2020, and in July of that year the university settled the claim in court.

The University of Adelaide declined to comment on Cooper’s new role, but said “the unfair dismissal in the Fair Work Commission was resolved in 2020”.

Cooper denies that he intentionally bullies others. On his website, he said: “I am deeply sorry that I have offended or upset anyone.” He said that he realized that his desire to “pursue big ideas and get results can also cause stress to other members” and that he “didn’t pay enough attention to other ideas”.

The statement adds that the counseling and education he experienced “included the recognition that I am neuro-atypical, which has helped me to identify areas to work on such as tolerating less frustration when under stress, and how this can affect relationships”. It goes on to say: “I will continue to do everything in my power to continue learning, and to make sure things like this never happen again.”

One former ACAD employee who also asked not to be named described Cooper as an “amazing researcher”. But he adds that he believes Charles Sturt University has plans in place to ensure Cooper’s management is properly monitored. They said: “I have seen Alan at his best and at his worst.”

A spokeswoman for Charles Sturt University declined to comment on specific arrangements for Cooper’s work, citing privacy concerns. But he added that “Charles Sturt University is committed to ensuring that there is a positive culture at work through employees working together and cooperatively. All employees at Charles Sturt University have the necessary qualifications.”