We welcome Pierre COX who has started as the new IRAM Deputy Director on January 1st, 2005, succeeding Michel GUELIN who has been serving in this function for more than 5 years.
With his dedication, competence and energy, Michel has helped very much to steer IRAM successfully through a very difficult period. Michel deserves a lot of credit for the scientific activities and technical developments that have been possible during these years. We wish him similar success in his new task as Head of the newly founded Astronomy Division which comprises all groups where astronomers are presently engaged in scientific, operational and software development activities (Astronomers' Group, PdB Science Operations Group, Science Software Group, and - possibly - an ALMA User Support Group).
The changes at the beginning of this year will be followed by more changes at the beginning of 2006. Pierre COX has ben nominated as the next IRAM Director after my retirement at the end of 2005, and a new Deputy Director will take office at that time, too.
We very much welcome these changes. They are very important for IRAM's future development, not only during this but also the next decade.