Editor's Note: This article, which discusses the legacy left to new National Academy of Sciences president Bruce Alberts by his predecessor, Frank Press, is the second part of a two- part series. The first part, which appeared in the June 28, 1993, issue, dealt with Alberts's plans for the academy.


The new NAS president may have to deal with sensitive issues that some members consider not fully resolved
As Bruce M. Alberts settles into the president's office at the National Academy of Sciences, he is faced with the twofold task of learning about the inner workings of the organization and formulating his own plans for its future.

"You need a lot of information to run this organization well," says the molecular biologist, who assumed the presidency July 1.

Among the things Alberts undoubtedly will be contemplating is the legacy left by his predecessor, Frank Press, a geophysicist who has joined...

Interested in reading more?

Become a Member of

Receive full access to digital editions of The Scientist, as well as TS Digest, feature stories, more than 35 years of archives, and much more!