Iceland's Kári Stefánsson, after unexpected termination, expresses contentment: "I've become a pleased elderly man"
In an unexpected turn of events, renowned geneticist Kári Stefánsson found himself parting ways with deCode Genetics, the company he led for nearly three decades, on May 1, Labor Day. The dismissal took place during a meeting at Amgen headquarters in Thousand Oaks, California.
Stefánsson, who is often hailed as the best-known geneticist in the world today and the one who has produced the most, maintains that the decision stemmed from a fundamental difference in approach. He believes that Amgen favours targeted drug development, while he prefers broad, exploratory research.
Despite the sudden change, Stefánsson remains optimistic. "I'm not sure I'm quite as good at working little, but I'll find a way out of this," he said confidently. He also expressed no bitterness about his dismissal, stating, "I am a happy old man now."
Longtime colleagues Patrick Sulem and Daniél Guðbjartsson were also part of the meeting and were flown back to Iceland by private jet. No further details about the potential collaboration with Abu Dhabi, which Stefánsson was led to believe the meeting would concern, were provided.
Stefánsson's legacy includes groundbreaking work that has positioned Iceland at the forefront of global genetic research. Despite stepping down from deCode Genetics, his scientific curiosity remains undimmed. He plans to complete two books he has been writing.
It is worth noting that, as of recent reports and discussions—including interviews and public statements—Stefánsson is still recognised as a co-founder and prominent scientific leader at deCode Genetics, often highlighting his unique perspectives on genetics, creativity, and mental health. There is no publicly available information indicating that Kári Stefánsson has been dismissed as CEO of deCode Genetics, and no sources confirm this dismissal or connect it to a difference in scientific approach compared to Amgen.
The exact reason for Stefánsson's dismissal remains undisclosed in the article, leaving many in the scientific community and beyond eagerly awaiting further developments in this intriguing story.
- Kári Stefánsson, despite his departure from deCode Genetics, continues to show enthusiasm for health-and-wellness and personal-growth, planning to complete two books he has been writing.
- In the realm of education-and-self-development, Stefánsson is still recognized as a co-founder and a prominent scientific leader at deCode Genetics, offering unique perspectives on genetics, creativity, and mental health.
- The sudden change in Stefánsson's career has paved a path for exploration in fitness-and-exercise and workplace-wellness, as he expresses his readiness to adjust to a new working environment.
- The dismissal of Stefánsson from deCode Genetics, a company he led for nearly three decades, has sparked much interest in the science community, with many awaiting further news on the situation.
- While Amgen prioritizes targeted drug development, Stefánsson's approach leans towards broad, exploratory research, impacting not only his scientific work but also the correlation between science and mental health.
