Martin Rees to Succeed Robert May as Next President of the Royal Society. (March31, 2005)

    Australian born Robert May is to be succeeded by the current astronomer royal, Cambridge Professor Martin Rees. Rees will resign his position as astronomer royal but retain his Cambridge chair and role as master of Trinity College.

As president of the Royal Society, Lord May has been outspoken on scientific matters and the place and importance of science to society and Britain's wellbeing.

Martin Rees has announced that he is currently formulating the main themes of his presidency, which he will discuss in detail in November. "Until then I'll be doing a lot of listening and learning."