Dear Friends,
With mixed emotions, I write to you one final time as Salk’s president. The past five years serving this world-renowned institute have been filled with some of the most rewarding times and some of the biggest challenges I’ve experienced in my career. I’m incredibly proud of all the accomplishments our faculty and staff made during my tenure, helping to push the Institute forward into a new era of scientific research, while honoring the legacy of Jonas Salk.
As I reflect on my time as president, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to work with such an exceptional group of individuals. The progress we have made together in advancing Salk’s mission and goals is truly gratifying.
Despite a global pandemic, we achieved significant milestones in our efforts to advance scientific research and discovery—from breakthrough discoveries in the fields of cancer, neuroscience, plant biology, and computational biology, to fostering collaborations and partnerships that have led to innovative new solutions to complex problems with the overarching goal of making the world a better place.
I am particularly proud of the work we have done to promote diversity and inclusion on campus, including the creation and expansion of our Diversity, Equity & Inclusion team. I know our community is a richer environment now than it was five years ago, and will continue to become more open and inclusive with each passing year thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many at the Institute.
As I return to my lab full time, I want to express my heartfelt admiration and gratitude to all those who helped and encouraged me to succeed in my role as president, from the executive team and faculty, to all our research, administrative, and support service teams. And of course, our loyal supporters. Salk’s enduring culture is rooted in collaboration, and that’s what I will remember most about these past five years—that collaboration was and is vibrant and constant.
Thank you again for placing your trust and faith in me. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve as president of the Salk Institute.
With great appreciation,
Fred H. Gage
President, Salk Institute
