Tuesday, June 12, 2018

DOO DOO AT THE SALK INSTITUTE

by Bob Walsh

One would hope that really bright people would mostly also be at least moderately decent people. One would probably be wrong.

Inder Verma, 70, is a very well known scientist who was, until last week, at the Salk Institute in San Diego. He has rendered his unconditional resignation, which the board voted unanimously to accept.

It seems that back in March the institute hired an employment law firm specifically to look into sexual harassment allegations against Verma. Eight women have made complaints against him spanning a period of many years. Verma has categorically denied the allegations.

In addition three senior female scientists have filed gender discrimination lawsuits against the institute, asserting that the "Old Boys Club" has systematically messed with their career advancement potential.

The lawsuits are scheduled for trial in December. I suspect that the Salk people are in deep trouble on this one.

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