The University of Luxembourg has responded to recent media reports raising concerns about working conditions, internal promotion procedures and the work climate, particularly within the Faculty of Law, Economics and Finance. The institution says it takes all allegations seriously, including those made anonymously, and has provided additional context.
The issue was discussed on Tuesday, 27 January, during a meeting of the Parliamentary Commission for Higher Education, Research, and Digitalisation. Minister Stéphanie Obertin attended the meeting alongside the University’s Rector and Vice-Rector for Research to answer questions from MPs.
The University, which employs around 2,700 staff, including approximately 1,600 academics, operates under the amended Law of 27 June 2018 governing its organisation and academic promotion procedures. According to the institution, promotions are competitive, apply across all faculties and research centres, and are assessed by independent external experts.
Since 2018, around 190 applications for academic promotion have been examined, resulting in 60 promotions. Of the 130 unsuccessful candidates, four have challenged the procedure before the administrative court. The University says that ongoing legal proceedings limit its ability to comment on individual cases.
In response to the competitive nature of academic careers, an Office for Professorial Affairs was established in January 2025 to support career development and promotion candidates.
Regarding the working environment, the University says staff well-being is a priority. Between 2020 and 2025, the Human Resources Department received 27 complaints related to inappropriate behaviour, plagiarism, harassment, or discrimination. Three cases were considered potentially qualifying as harassment, and the University says appropriate measures were taken in all instances.
The Ombuds office provides confidential support to staff and students and was expanded in 2025. Staff surveys conducted in 2023 recorded an overall satisfaction score of 3.88 out of 5. Staff turnover over the past five years ranged between 3 and 4%, while the doctoral dropout rate stands at 10–15%, which the University says is below international averages.
In November 2025, the University launched an internal review overseen by the University Council, with results expected in March 2026. A public tender for an independent external audit of human resources and organisational structures is also planned.
The University says it remains committed to a respectful, fair, and supportive working environment and will publish the conclusions of both reviews.
