Letter from Dick Gephardt, Chair of the TSRI Board of Trustees

To The Scripps Research Institute Community,

The Board of Trustees of The Scripps Research Institute and Faculty Members of the Institute agree that it is important for all key stakeholders of Scripps to analyze and discuss the strategic future we want for Scripps, and to regularly review a broad range of thoughtful alternatives to ensure we choose the best path forward for this storied institution.

As all of you know, Scripps is one of the leading private non-profit research organizations in the country. For over 50 years, Scripps has remained at the forefront of biomedical research. We have done so from a position of strength, both academically and financially. Indeed, Scripps today is on solid financial footing and will remain so for the foreseeable future. But any honest and thoughtful assessment of our future must take into account near-term and potentially significant changes in funding from the National Institute of Health caused by tight federal budgets and the reduced funding from private medical and pharmaceutical organizations.

In order to thoughtfully and comprehensively evaluate the best path forward for Scripps, the Board of Trustees has asked the following Trustees and Faculty Members to participate on an advisory committee to facilitate our ongoing holistic review of all possible opportunities. This committee is comprised of a wide range of voices and perspectives to help ensure the long-term success of Scripps. We deeply appreciate their willingness to spend the time and effort that will be required on behalf of the Scripps community.

Trustees*
Dick Gephardt, Chair of the Board and the Committee
Marshall Criser
Dick Elkus
Marjorie Fink
Tom Insley
Bill Molloie
Lynn Schenk
Horacio Valeiras

Administration
Michael Marletta
Scott Forrest
Donna Weston

Faculty
Dennis Burton
Velia Fowler
Jerry Joyce
Tom Kodadek
William Roush
Erica Ollmann Saphire
Jim Paulson
Ian Wilson

Our meetings will begin next week and this effort will take as long as necessary to achieve success.

We thank all of you for your support, participation and continued dedication to the successful future of Scripps.

Sincerely,

Richard A. Gephardt
Chair, Board of Trustees

* List of trustee, administration and faculty advisory committee members updated 7/1.

Send comments to: press[at]scripps.edu