The White Home director of science and know-how coverage resigns on the eve he was set to testify in Congress concerning the institution of a brand new analysis funding company for well being, modelled after DARPA, known as ARPA-H — the Superior Analysis Initiatives Company for Well being.
On the opening of today’s Congressional hearing on “ARPA-H: The Subsequent Frontier of Biomedical Analysis,” Home Vitality and Commerce Subcommittee on Well being Chairwoman Anna Eshoo stated that Dr. Eric Lander had a protracted document of mistreating subordinates and that his resignation from the Workplace of Science and Expertise Coverage was “the suitable factor to do.”
“Dr. Eric Lander mistreated subordinates. It’s a protracted document […] He resigned final night […] I believe it was the suitable factor to do. Girls aren’t lesser beings” — Rep Anna Eshoo
“On the primary day of President Biden’s presidency, he introduced a really excessive customary when it comes to conduct in his administration,” stated Eshoo.
“Dr. Eric Lander mistreated subordinates. It’s a protracted document, and I consider that as a result of he didn’t dwell as much as that customary that the president set, that his resigning was the suitable factor to do.
“And so, clearly he isn’t right here this morning. He resigned final night — considered one of our nation’s most good scientists — and so he has stepped down from being the director of the Workplace of Science and Expertise Coverage.
“Once more, I believe that was the suitable factor to do.
“Girls aren’t lesser beings,” she added.
Rep Brett Guthrie agreed with Eshoo’s sentiments.
“I’m glad he’s not right here immediately as a result of he disrespected and demeaned his employees, however he has solutions that we want” — Brett Guthrie
“Thanks Chair Eshoo, and I wish to affiliate along with your phrases on Director Lander,” stated Guthrie.
“Everyone deserves to be revered, and those who at all times suppose they’re the neatest individuals within the room — typically individuals are lots smarter than you suppose they’re — and we have to be aware of that.
“I’m glad he’s not right here immediately as a result of he disrespected and demeaned his employees, however he has solutions that we want that hopefully the White Home can have someone that may reply questions as effectively.”
On Monday, Politico reported that Dr. Lander submitted his resignation letter to President Joe Biden.
“I’m devastated that I prompted harm to previous and current colleagues by the best way by which I’ve spoken to them” — Dr. Eric Lander
“I’m writing to submit my resignation, to be efficient no later than February 18 with a purpose to allow an orderly switch,” Dr. Lander wrote.
“I’m devastated that I prompted harm to previous and current colleagues by the best way by which I’ve spoken to them,” he added.
In a White Home press briefing published on Monday, press secretary Jen Psaki stated, “Senior White Home officers conveyed on to Dr. Lander that his habits was inappropriate and the corrective actions that have been wanted.”
Over the weekend, the Home subcommittee uploaded the written testimonies of all witnesses slated to testify in immediately’s listening to.
On a hunch, I downloaded all of them on Sunday, together with Dr. Lander’s now deleted written testimony, which you’ll be able to learn right here: Witness Testimony_Lander.
Congress hears testimony on whether ARPA-H should be independent agency or part of NIH
