Top US government science adviser Eric Lander resigns after bullying outcry
- Eric Lander accused of mistreating members of his staff and violating the White House’s safe workplace policies
- Known for his work mapping the human genome, Lander was overseeing two of the US president’s signature programmes
“I am devastated that I caused hurt to past and present colleagues by the way in which I have spoken to them,” Lander wrote in his resignation letter.
“I have sought to push myself and my colleagues to reach our shared goals – including at times challenging and criticising,” he added, acknowledging he “crossed the line at times into being disrespectful and demeaning”.
Lander was named director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy in January last year under Biden, who elevated the White House science adviser position to cabinet-level – a break from the policy of former president Donald Trump as America grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic.
Biden, a Democrat, had also set out to distinguish his administration from that of his Republican predecessor’s by pledging to safeguard a respectful and professional work environment.
“If you’re ever working with me and I hear you treat another colleague with disrespect, talk down to someone, I promise you I will fire you on the spot,” Biden told staff on the first day in office.