The university’s Code of Conduct prohibits members of decision-making bodies from participating in discussions or decisions in cases where a conflict of interest exists. Emma Schymanski, a researcher at the Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), is a member of the Scientific Council of the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS). She is also one of the IAS Fellows, having previously received research funding under the Audacity programme, which is designed to support interdisciplinary research projects. As a Fellow, she became a member of the Scientific Council and was nominated by the university’s rector.
However, in December 2025, one of five projects selected for Audacity funding was AI4TECS: AI-powered system for real-time identification and treatment of emerging contaminants. The project was submitted by Schymanski in collaboration with a researcher from the Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM). The conflict of interest is evident: Schymanski is also a member of the IAS Scientific Council, the body responsible for analysing and evaluating research proposals. Her role on the council, as well as her funding award, are publicly listed on the IAS website.
The IAS was founded in 2020 with the stated aim of fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. It operates under the authority of the Vice-Rector for Research. Claus Vögele serves as Director of the IAS.
Each year, the institute distributes several million euros in research funding. The maximum allocation for an Audacity project is €460,000. Applications compete across disciplines.
According to RTL’s sources, Emma Schymanski was part of the jury in November 2024 when applicants presented their projects. She asked questions, participated in the evaluation process and awarded marks. IAS regulations describe the role of the Scientific Council as follows: “The Scientific Council meets at least once a year and its role is to classify Audacity and Young Academics projects and recommend projects for funding. The Director of the IAS and the Vice-Rector for Research submit the selection to the Rector for the final funding decision.”
RTL asked the University of Luxembourg and Schymanski whether she had recused herself from discussions relating to her own application and whether the situation constituted a breach of the university’s code of conduct. The researcher referred the matter to the university’s press office. In a written response, the press office declined to comment on the specific questions and instead referred to ongoing external audits. “Please kindly note that over the last months, the University has answered multiple media inquiries about internal processes. Currently we have launched initiatives and we are awaiting two external audits on HR processes and governance. The results of the audits will be communicated, at which time the University will be available to present both the conclusions and future steps”, the statement read.
Further questions have been raised about the governance of the IAS, particularly in relation to fellows such as Schymanski and her current membership in the Council. According to the institute’s internal regulations, fellows appointed by the rector serve a two-year non-renewable term.
However, Schymanski’s curriculum vitae, published on the ORCID website, indicates that she already served as a member of the IAS Scientific Council from September 2020 to September 2022.
The final decision on funding allocations therefore rests with the rector.
Schymanski and Vögele are also among eight special advisers from different disciplines who support Rector Jens Kreisel.
