President Reverses Course, Taps Bement as Director

摘要

For most scientists, agreeing to become the next director of the $5.5 billion U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) would mean accepting a heavier workload. However, for Ardent Bement, last week's nomination by President George W. Bush could eventually mean a shorter workday. For the past 7 months, Bement, a materials engineer with a track record in both academic and industrial research, has headed two agencies. He has been director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) since December 2001 and assumed the additional title of acting NSF director in February, when microbiologist Rita Colwell left abruptly before her term was due to end in August (Science, 20 February, p. 1116). When he agreed to take on responsibility for NSF, Bement and the president's science adviser, John Marburger, agreed that it would only be a temporary gig.