Embedded The Harvard Plan: Jay & Alan
Nov 24, 2025
In a compelling discussion, Jay Bhattacharya, a Stanford physician and health economist, and his former mentor, Alan Garber, dive into their evolving relationship amid the COVID-19 pandemic's challenges. They explore the controversial Great Barrington Declaration and the societal backlash Jay faced for his views on lockdowns. The duo examines the intersection of academia and politics, focusing on the implications of NIH funding disputes and the future of scientific research. Their personal and professional narratives raise critical questions about academic freedom and the role of science in public policy.
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Mentor Turned Collaborator
- Jay Bhattacharya idolized Alan Garber and followed his exact academic path, becoming his undergraduate thesis advisee and long-term collaborator.
- They coauthored research and grants for decades before COVID drove them apart.
Pandemic Reshaped Scientific Alliances
- The pandemic exposed deep divides between evidence-driven scientists and public-health orthodoxy, reshaping reputations and alliances.
- Jay's Great Barrington Declaration amplified those fractures and moved him into the public and political spotlight.
Santa Clara Study And Backlash
- Jay analyzed Santa Clara data and argued infection rates were higher and lethality lower than claimed, drawing media attention.
- He faced internal investigations and resistance at Stanford for promoting those findings.