The consequences of Lander’s most recent behavior could be severe, with his role as a public intellectual severely reduced. Already, the American Association for the Advancement of Science has disinvited him from its annual meeting, one of the largest gatherings of scientists. But there are questions over where Lander goes next, and whether he’d be welcome back at the Broad.

This is a gigantic change from the way things used to be, one that will likely have a positive impact on the way big-name scientists behave. This is not because ego will no longer play a role in science. It is because the consequences of behaving badly at work have become so large; those who would have openly bullied or disparaged co-workers will simply know that they can’t do it if they want to accomplish their goals. In the same way Lander and Venter were selected by the era of big science, this next era’s stars will be made of stuff that is less rude.

For years, a camera-grabbing persona and big achievements were enough to grant indulgence for just about any sin. It wasn’t until 2007 that Watson’s star finally faded completely, after he told a British newspaper that Black people were not as intelligent as white people; it was only after he made similar remarks again in 2019 that he was stripped of his final honorary titles.