PhD Candidate Hanxin Zhao Alleges Retaliation, Coercion, and Discrimination at TU Delft
In a shocking revelation, Hanxin Zhao, a PhD candidate at TU Delft in the Netherlands, has accused his supervisors of intimidation, coercion, and discrimination, leading to the termination of his PhD after six years of rigorous research. Zhao, who specializes in hydrogen energy transition, claims his doctoral progress was deliberately obstructed, despite publishing four first-author papers in top-tier journals.
According to Zhao, his research was significantly delayed by his supervisors, who forced him to abandon a nearly completed paper and shift focus to a new research direction. He was neither funded by his supervisors nor the university, making him financially vulnerable. Over the years, Zhao alleges he was coerced into signing agreements under duress, subjected to unreasonable academic demands, and ultimately forced to leave the Netherlands before his PhD was terminated on February 9, 2024, under the pretext of not meeting graduation requirements.
Following his termination, Zhao published a detailed account of his experience on YouTube, triggering an outpouring of reactions from the academic community and social media. While some support his claims of academic exploitation, others suggest miscommunication and cultural differences played a role in the escalating conflict.
Key Takeaways
- PhD Termination Despite Strong Academic Record – Zhao published four Q1 journal papers, a standard that should have been sufficient for graduation, yet his PhD was terminated for not meeting requirements.
- Allegations of Retaliation and Discrimination – Zhao claims his supervisors deliberately delayed his progress, imposed additional workload beyond standard dissertation structures, and forced him to sign agreements under coercion.
- Academic Power Imbalance – Zhao alleges that his requests for supervisor replacement were denied, and his attempts to escalate the matter within the university were dismissed.
- International Student Disadvantages – His claims of discrimination include being forced to leave the Netherlands prematurely and being excluded from Dutch-language communications that impacted his PhD.
- Public Outcry and Academic Debate – The case has sparked intense discussions online, highlighting systemic issues within Dutch academia, particularly in the treatment of international PhD students.
Deep Analysis: A Broken Academic System?
The controversy surrounding Zhao’s case exposes deeper flaws in the PhD system, particularly in the Netherlands, where doctoral candidates are considered employees rather than students.
Power Imbalance Between PhD Candidates and Supervisors
One of the central concerns in Zhao’s case is the unchecked power supervisors wield over their students. Unlike in some countries where independent committees oversee PhD progression, Dutch supervisors have significant authority in deciding whether a candidate graduates. This creates a precarious situation where students, especially international ones, may feel powerless against unfair treatment.
Unrealistic and Shifting Academic Demands
Zhao’s account suggests that his supervisors continuously shifted goalposts, first requiring a change in research direction and later demanding additional dissertation chapters beyond the standard. This not only prolonged his PhD but also created an academic deadlock where Zhao’s work was deemed subpar despite being published in reputable journals.
Financial Vulnerability of Self-Funded PhD Students
Zhao was self-funded for the last two years of his PhD, making him financially dependent on timely completion. When his graduation was delayed, it had direct financial and professional consequences, reinforcing concerns that some supervisors exploit students for extended labor without proper academic support.
Lack of Institutional Support
One of the most troubling aspects of Zhao’s case is the alleged inaction from TU Delft’s administration. Despite Zhao’s repeated requests to replace his supervisors, the university failed to provide an alternative, effectively forcing him to continue under the same conditions that he deemed exploitative. This raises questions about the accountability mechanisms in place for PhD advisors and the effectiveness of university ombudsman services.
Broader Implications for International PhD Students
The reactions on platforms like Reddit highlight that Zhao’s experience is not unique. Many former PhD students in the Netherlands and beyond have recounted similar experiences of academic bullying, visa-related pressure, and last-minute terminations. If Zhao’s allegations are accurate, his case exemplifies a larger issue in academia—where international PhD students, who often lack local support networks, are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Opposing Views: A Different Perspective
While Zhao’s allegations have drawn widespread support, some voices in the academic community have presented alternative perspectives:
- Reasonable Supervisor Expectations – Critics argue that Zhao’s supervisors were within their rights to request a separate literature review chapter, as PhD dissertations require a coherent narrative, not just published papers. They claim that Zhao’s insistence on skipping this step was unreasonable.
- Early Performance Issues – Some reports indicate that Zhao’s supervisors flagged concerns about his slow progress as early as his first year. While he published research papers, critics question whether they aligned with the overall research direction of his PhD.
- Communication Breakdown – Observers have pointed out that Zhao’s relationship with his supervisors deteriorated over time, with both parties becoming increasingly resistant to cooperation. Some believe Zhao failed to engage with feedback effectively, leading to a deadlock.
- Allegations of Paranoia – Zhao has claimed that he was being stalked and monitored. However, skeptics argue that the evidence provided, such as encounters with strangers and objects in his room being misplaced, is inconclusive and may be unrelated to his academic disputes.
- Mental Health Considerations – Some academic professionals have suggested that the immense stress Zhao faced may have exacerbated his perception of events. In similar cases, PhD candidates under extreme pressure have struggled with paranoia and anxiety, further complicating conflicts with their supervisors.
Did You Know?
- Netherlands’ PhD System is Employee-Based – Unlike in the U.S. or the U.K., Dutch PhD candidates are officially employees of the university, meaning they sign employment contracts rather than student agreements. This structure affects everything from funding to termination policies.
- 4 Q1 Papers Are Considered Exceptional – While PhD requirements vary by institution, publishing four first-author papers in high-impact journals is widely considered an outstanding achievement in many academic fields.
- Dutch Universities Have Faced Similar Controversies – Several international PhD students in the Netherlands have previously alleged academic bullying and arbitrary dismissals, with many reporting struggles in appealing such decisions.
- PhD Advisors Can Refuse to Submit Theses – In the Netherlands, a supervisor has significant power, including the ability to refuse thesis submission, effectively blocking a student from defending their work.
- This Case Has Gone Viral – Zhao’s case has gained traction on social media, with discussions on Reddit, YouTube, and academic forums debating the ethics of his termination and the broader flaws in academia.