Stanford
University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne speaks in 2019. He says he
will resign at the end of August. (Yichuan Cao/Sipa USA/AP)
Stanford University President Marc Tessier-Lavigne has announced his resignation in the wake of an investigative report that found shortcomings in his oversight of scientific research conducted at the prestigious institution. The report followed a months-long inquiry triggered by allegations of research misconduct that were brought to light by the Stanford Daily, the campus newspaper, late last year.
While the panel of experts cleared Tessier-Lavigne of engaging in any fraud or falsification of scientific data, it did highlight a pattern of "serious flaws" in co-authored papers and a failure to promptly address concerns when they arose. The report also revealed that some labs under his purview had an "unusual frequency" of data manipulations.
Tessier-Lavigne, who has been the university's president for nearly seven years, expressed his commitment to transparency and accountability and acknowledged some missteps in seeking corrections for errors in scientific papers. He also took responsibility for the work of his lab members, even though he was unaware of certain issues raised in the report.
As a neuroscientist renowned for his research on the causes and treatments of neural degenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, Tessier-Lavigne's contributions have been significant. During his tenure as president, he launched Stanford's first new school in decades, the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability, expanded financial aid programs, and navigated the university through the challenges posed by the pandemic.
The decision to step down on August 31 was made in the best interest of the university, as it seeks to uphold its reputation as a leading research institution. In his statement, Tessier-Lavigne emphasized that Stanford is greater than any individual and that the institution needs a president whose leadership will not be clouded by such discussions.
In the aftermath of his resignation, Richard Saller, a distinguished professor of European studies, will assume the role of interim president starting September 1. Saller brings a wealth of experience to the position, having previously served as the provost at the University of Chicago and as the dean of Stanford's School of Humanities and Science.
The board of trustees at Stanford has already initiated a presidential search to identify a permanent replacement for Tessier-Lavigne. As the university undergoes this transitional phase, it reinforces the importance of integrity and rigorous oversight in scientific research, and the vital role of corrections and accountability to maintain the credibility of academic work.
Despite the challenges faced during this period, Stanford University remains committed to its pursuit of excellence in education, research, and innovation. Tessier-Lavigne will continue his academic pursuits as a tenured professor in the biology department, ensuring that his contributions to the scientific community endure beyond his tenure as president.
Read the full story: The Washington Post
