The last six months have been a hectic and anxious time for an organization that prefers to take a cautious, gradual approach to the myriad issues facing the scientific community. And the future poses a stern challenge to its desire to maintain a strong voice on matters of science and public policy.
Carey has put off his retirement three times in the past two years. He agreed to remain at the helm of the 132,000-member organization during a period in which its magazine for a popular audience, begun in 1979, was suffering from failing financial health.
The prolonged and secretive search for Carey's successor has been widely criticized, both by officials within the association and by outside observers. Carey said the association's board of trustees did nothing when he told them five years ago of his eventual desire to step down. Two years ago he told them "to get moving," ...
