An electronic newsletter from the Marine Biological Laboratory
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Message from the Director
Dear Friends and Colleagues,
While temperatures in Woods Hole have been unseasonably mild this fall, the pace at the MBL, as usual, is quite brisk. As I write this letter, we are in the midst of wrapping up another successful fall conference season. More than 2,200 scientists from throughout the U.S. and beyond visited the MBL in the last two months as attendees in some 20 conferences. These important scientific gatherings included a retreat of leaders in cardiovascular research, the annual Research Update in Neuroscience for Neurosurgeons (RUNN), and a symposium on Harmful Algal Blooms.
Of particular note was a new NIH-sponsored stem-cell training course held at the MBL last week. Pioneers in embryonic stem-cell science were among the instructors in this advanced laboratory and lecture course, which trained scientists in embryonic stem-cell biology and research strategies, including clinical investigation of potential medical applications for the cells. We are pleased that the course organizers chose the MBL for this important educational endeavor.
As most of you are aware, we are in the final stages of our search for a new Chief Academic and Scientific Officer to replace Bill Beers who retired in August. In the interim, I am delighted to say that Bill Reznikoff has agreed to serve as the Director's Liaison. Bill will be providing staff assistance and communication with the MBL Science Council, Academic Affairs Committee, and Center/Program Directors, and will assist me with academic and strategic projects. Bill brings great experience and distinction to the position. He was the Evelyn Mercer Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Wisconsin and served as Chairman of the Department of Biochemistry from 1986 to 1991. He is an elected member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and a member of the Scientific Advisory Board of Promega Corporation. Since 2004 he has been a scientific member of the MBL’s Bay Paul Center and in August 2007 was appointed an MBL senior research scientist.
In other news, I am pleased to share that the MBL has been chosen to receive the 2007 Distinguished Service Award from the Association of Neuroscience Departments and Programs (ANDP), whose members represent 250 neuroscience programs throughout North America. In her award letter, which recognizes the MBL for its exemplary neuroscience education programs, ANDP President Alison K. Hall states: “The neuroscience community enjoys the talents of many former MBL students, Grass fellows, MBL course directors and even mentors who recognized the transforming experience for their students in a summer at the MBL.”
Director of Education, Lenny Dawidowicz, and Science Council Chair, Don Faber, will accept the award on behalf of the MBL at a presentation ceremony in San Diego on November 3rd. I congratulate our education program on this important award, as well as all of our staff who play a part in making our courses truly outstanding. I hope you will enjoy reading about more exciting news and accomplishments that we have to share in the articles below.
In closing, I note with great sadness the recent death of an important MBL visionary— Honorary Trustee William T. Golden, a valued colleague and friend who passed away on October 7, just short of his 98th birthday. Bill served the MBL with his guidance and wisdom for nearly 40 years. He was a pioneering figure who helped shape the nation’s post-World War II science policy as an advisor to President Harry Truman. He developed an advisory system to guide presidential decisions on key scientific issues and played an important role in establishing the National Science Foundation. We join many institutions throughout the nation in remembering, with gratitude, his phenomenal commitment to the advancement of science. He will be sorely missed.
With warm regards,
Gary Borisy, Director and CEO
