Statement from Jerry Yang, chair of the Stanford University Board of Trustees

Update as of December 7, 2022: Additional information and updates on this issue are now being posted on the Board of Trustees website.

The Board of Trustees has noted press reports regarding research accuracy in certain scientific articles in which President Marc Tessier-Lavigne is a listed author. As chair of the Board of Trustees, I am appointing a Special Committee of the Board to examine the facts underlying the allegations, to assess the significance of any findings, and to make recommendations to the full board. The special committee will be chaired by Trustee Carol Lam, who also serves as chair of the board’s Committee on Audit, Compliance, and Risk. I will also serve as a member of this committee, along with trustees Felix Baker, James Coulter, and Jeffrey Stone.

In initiating this review, I want to assure the Stanford community that appropriate attention and resources are being devoted to this matter. The special committee will conduct its work with all deliberate speed. The special committee will engage expert outside advisors to assist with the fact gathering and assessment.

I also want to note that since President Tessier-Lavigne’s appointment in 2016, he has effectively led this university with integrity and honor. I am confident he will continue to do so while we undertake this review.

I ask for the Stanford community’s patience as the board conducts the thorough review that this situation merits.

Jerry Yang

Chair of the Board of Trustees, Stanford University