Former President of US National Academy of Sciences to Take Over as Science's Editor in Chief. (December 18, 2007)

Bruce Alberts, professor of biochemistry and biophysics at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), and president emeritus of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, will take over the editorship of Science on March 1, 2008 from Donald Kennedy, who announced earlier this year that he would be retiring. Professor Kennedy has served as editor-in-chief since 2000.

In recent years Bruce Alberts has focused on public issues, especially the improvement of science education, and AAAS President David Baltimore, chair of the search committee that nominated Professor Alberts, said: "[his] experience, skill, and interest in all of science make him the ideal person to continue the tradition of superb editors who have made Science the premier journal for the scientific community."

Science's announcement says: "He served two terms as president of the National Academy of Sciences, from 1993 to 2005. Then he returned to UCSF to continue working on issues he emphasized during his tenure at the academies: internationalizing science -- especially building links to scientists in the developing world and strengthening scientific infrastructures -- and improving science education.

"Alberts will retain his UCSF faculty position and expects to devote half of his time to Science. 'I view Science magazine as a critical venue for maintaining the standards of science, as well as for spreading an understanding and appreciation for science around the world,' says Alberts. 'With the tremendous challenges we face today, both of these important aims need constant attention.'"