Tony Chan, a mathematician and dean of physical sciences at UCLA, has been named the new head of mathematics and physical sciences at NSF. Chan, who received his PhD in computer science from Stanford University in 1978, will take over as assistant director for MPS on 1 October. Astronomer Michael Turner, the previous MPS head, left NSF earlier this year to return to the University of Chicago.
Citing Chan’s administrative experience as a dean at UCLA, NSF director Arden Bement Jr said the foundation can benefit from “Tony’s extraordinary record as a scientist and an administrator, especially at this critical time in the history of mathematics and physical sciences.” Chan will begin his job just as NSF begins implementing a new strategic plan intended, according to foundation officials, to redefine the “mission, vision, goals, and objectives” of the foundation. His job may be easier than Turner’s since the Bush administration...
