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Back as Director

Nicole Boivin has been reinstated as director of the Max Planck Institute for the Science of Human History by a court in Germany, according to Science.

Boivin was removed as director in October following an internal investigation into allegations of workplace bullying and misconduct, including taking credit for others' work. Science reported at the time that Boivin called her demotion — she was able to remain as a researcher — "abrupt and shocking" and that she planned to challenge the decision.

Science now reports that Boivin filed an injunction to prevent her removal as director while she fights the action and that judges at the High Civil Court in Berlin have granted that injunction. The court decision, according to Science, hinged largely on the Max Planck Society's decision to remove Boivin without the approval of its senate, which MPG said it did because of a German law requiring employers to act within two weeks of learning of grounds for an employee's immediate termination. Science adds that Boivin's lawyer argued this was in violation of the society's bylaws and the court agreed.

MPG plans, according to Science, to appeal the ruling as well as continue to seek her dismissal.

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