The president of Scripps Research Institute will leave the organization following criticism over his attempt to merge it with the University of Southern California.
Richard Gephardt, chair of institute’s board of trustees, said in a statement released Monday that Dr. Michael Marletta, president and CEO of the renowned research organization, has decided to leave.
“Dr. Michael Marletta has indicated his desire to leave TSRI and the board is working with Dr. Marletta on a possible transition plan,” Gephardt said.
“The Board will work to make any transition to new leadership the highest priority. Any such transition will engage all key constituencies in a dialogue about the future direction of this storied institution.”
Scripps confirmed July 9 it had ended talks aimed at merging with USC.
U-T San Diego reported that Marletta had been criticized by the faculty for not broadly including researchers in discussions with USC.
The La Jolla-based nonprofit, which specializes in biomedical research, also has a satellite operation in Jupiter, FL, where opposition to a merger also surfaced.
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