The boss of one of the nation's most prestigious universities has rejected claims she bullied an academic to near-suicide, and has criticised a parliamentary inquiry for allowing the allegations to be heard publicly.

Australian National University chancellor Julie Bishop says she "categorically" denies suggestions she berated a university demographer, accused her of leaking confidential documents, blocked her from leaving a room and laughed when the academic became distressed.

ANU staffer Liz Allen raised the claims in emotional testimony at a parliamentary hearing in August.

Dr Allen told the committee she considered suicide after the incident with Ms Bishop, and suggested the ongoing stress caused by university officials may have caused her to have a miscarriage.

In a 25-page respons

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