Tim Hunt sexism dispute: UCL ruling council backs decision to let him go

Scientist who resigned after being lambasted for his comments about his 'trouble with girls' will not be reinstated at University College London

The ruling council of University College London has unanimously backed the university's decision to accept the resignation of Sir Tim Hunt in a sexism row that has caused bitter divisions across the scientific community. In a statement on Thursday evening intended to draw a line under the month-long saga, the council said university management and Hunt were in agreement that reversing the decision would be "inappropriate".

Prof Hunt's comments about his "trouble with girls", made during a toast at a lunch for female scientists last month, initially prompted widespread criticism and the scientist resigned from an honorary post at UCL. Subsequently, Hunt claimed the university left him no option but to step down, and powerful supporters from the scientific community, including Brian Cox and Richard Dawkins, called for his reinstatement.