Satchin Panda, a biologist at the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California, will resign from his position on August 13, after more than two decades at the institution. His departure follows allegations of sexual misconduct raised by a female research assistant in his lab.
Panda had been placed on leave while the institute conducted an investigation into the complaint, which was filed through official reporting channels in March. The Salk Institute stated that it provided support and resources to the staff member and initiated a thorough investigation. The woman who filed the complaint has since left the institute voluntarily.
In an email cited by the journal Science, Panda denied the allegations, asserting his commitment to maintaining a safe and respectful environment within his research team and the institute. "These values are central to my leadership," he wrote.
Panda's research at the Salk Institute focused on circadian rhythms and intermittent fasting, also known as time-restricted eating. His work aimed to understand the molecular mechanisms of the body's internal clock and its potential to prevent and reverse chronic diseases. This research has been a significant source of funding for the institute.
This incident echoes a previous departure at the Salk Institute, where prominent biologist Inder Verma resigned eight years prior. Verma stepped down following an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment made by eight women, including some affiliated with the institute. He also denied those allegations.