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)
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