Unrest at Natural Sciences Museum over working conditions

About 30 staff members at the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences (KBIN) in Brussels have written an open letter criticising the “toxic” management style of its director-general, saying colleagues are being unjustly threatened with dismissal or disciplinary action. 

KBIN, sometimes called the dinosaur museum, has been led by Michel Van Camp since March 2023, who previously served as head of the seismology and gravimetry department at the Royal Observatory. 

In the open letter, the staff refer to a "distinctly toxic behaviour", which they said "causes internal conflicts".

"Anyone who opposes this way of working comes under the director’s scrutiny and must fear reprisals,” they added.

Staff also claim that in several cases, appointments have not been made in accordance with the applicable procedures: “Statutory staff appraisals were either not carried out for certain staff members for years or were not conducted correctly.” 

According to the open letter, the KBIN’s support departments (such as HR, accounts, health and safety, security and visitor services) are especially suffering under the current working conditions. 

“Those departments still exist, but they have been reduced," one employee told Bruzz. "For example, the departure of the health and safety adviser was never addressed, because, according to the director, that role is unnecessary."

Van Camp responded to the allegations by saying he took the concerns expressed in the letter “extremely seriously”.

“We are investigating these carefully and will engage in dialogue with those concerned,” Van Camp said.

“Where appropriate, we will seek support from individuals or bodies who can guide us through this process. The wellbeing of our staff is a key priority. 

"They are the driving force behind our organisation. We will give the issues raised in the letter the attention they deserve and consider what steps are most appropriate."

Minister Vanessa Matz (Les Engagés), who is responsible for the museum, was asked for a response but has not yet commented on the matter.