Stanford’s president resigns in the wake of investigation into scientific research

In the wake of allegations of misconduct in his research lab, Marc Tessier-Lavigne is stepping down as the president of Stanford University just as the university released the highly anticipated results of an investigation conducted by the board of trustees.

That investigation found that while Tessier-Lavigne didn’t personally engage in misconduct, fraud or falsification of scientific data, he “failed to decisively and forthrightly correct mistakes in the scientific record.”

In a written statement, Tessier-Lavigne focused on the investigation’s findings that he didn’t personally engage in any scientific wrongdoing. “Although the report clearly refutes the allegations of fraud and misconduct that were made against me, for the good of the University, I have made the decision to step down as President effective August 31,” he wrote.

He did, however, admit that mistakes were made on his watch: “The Panel’s report identified some areas where I should have done better, and I accept the report’s conclusions. Specifically, the report discusses steps I took to address issues that arose with some publications. I agree that in some instances I should have been more diligent when seeking corrections, and I regret that I was not. The Panel’s review also identified instances of manipulation of research data by others in my lab. Although I was unaware of these issues, I want to be clear that I take responsibility for the work of my lab members.”

Tessier-Lavigne will remain on the faculty, he wrote, adding that he looks forward to continuing his scientific research on brain development and neurodegeneration.