Page 97 - A Life - my Live - my path

Computerization of the cyclotron

In short, my memo was regarded by all as inflammatory. My
department head was immediately summoned to
management for a crisis meeting with the managing director
and his right-hand man. On his return, he told me that
management had asked him to submit the memo to IRE's
lawyer to check whether I could be dismissed for serious
misconduct. He advised me to get a lawyer. I explained to
him, very calmly, that I had no intention whatsoever of
getting a lawyer, because I didn't see what I could be accused
of
For me, the situation was simple.

The IRE decided to invest 60 million Belgian francs (€1.5
million) in the cyclotron computerization project. I was
officially appointed project manager. Before starting work

on the project, I drew attention to a number of potentially
problematic points. I refused to sign the contract with the
chosen subcontractor. During the execution of the project,
everything I had foreseen had happened. So, I decided to
inform General Management to try to change course and
save the project. I didn't see what I could be blamed for.

My boss went to consult the lawyer and on his return
repeated his comment to me was: "This memo is very well
written, at most there are a few minor clumsiness’s".
I concluded that there was nothing to justify dismissal for
serious misconduct.
Several internal meetings were held. A few days later, the
boss's right-hand man summoned me, my boss and the
physicist hired on the cyclotron a few months earlier. He

85