Caltech president
resigns to focus on HIV research

The Nobel Prize-winning scientist who has led the California Institute of Technology for nearly eight years is stepping down to concentrate on AIDS research and teaching. Caltech president David Baltimore said Monday his resignation is effective in June, although he promised to remain on the job until a successor is found.

"This is not a decision that I have made easily, but I am convinced that the interests of the institute will be best served by a presidential transition at this particular time in its history," Baltimore, 67, said in a statement issued to students, faculty, staff, and university trustees.

Baltimore was awarded a Nobel Prize in 1975 for his work on the genetic mechanisms of viruses. He will remain at Caltech as a biology professor and will pursue HIV and AIDS research through a $13.9 million grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. (AP)