NASA: Science Director Retiring

Official word out of DC - associate administrator for the Science Directorate, Dr Mary Cleave is retiring in spring 2007.

This implies possible significant policy changes for space science next year, including changes in funding priorities, particularly for the smaller niche missions and sub-fields.
Keep a sharp eye out for who the replacement will be. It may matter a lot.
NASA also has ads out for new Astrophysics and Planetary Science Division Heads. Same applies there.

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I saw the advert for the Astrophysics Division Head, but had not heard about Mary Cleave.

I used to think a random change would be likely to be for the good; not so sure anymore. Still, at least I can imagine potentially good things. A nice fantasy until reality kicks in.