Tim Hunt resigns after his 'trouble with girls' comments

Sir Tim Hunt has resigned from his role at a British university following his "trouble with girls" comments at a women in science conference this week.

University College London confirmed in a statement that the Nobel laureate had resigned from his role as an honorary professor, following criticism of his speech.

The 72-year-old, who was speaking at the World Conference of Science Journalists in South Korea on Tuesday, suggested that researchers should work in gender-segregated labs because "girls" cry when criticised and always fall in love with him.

UCL can confirm that Sir Tim Hunt FRS has today resigned from his position as Honorary Professor with the UCL Faculty of Life Sciences, following comments he made about women in science at the World Conference of Science Journalists on 9 June.

UCL was the first university in England to admit women students on equal terms to men, and the university believes that this outcome is compatible with our commitment to gender equality.

• UCL statement

Hunt apologised for his comments on BBC Radio 4 on Wednesday, explaining: “I’m really, really sorry I caused any offence, that’s awful. I certainly didn’t mean that. I just meant to be honest, actually.”

More: A British Nobel Prize winner actually said this about female scientists