Since January 1st, 2006, IRAM has a new directorial staff. Karl-Friedrich SCHUSTER has taken over the responsability of the IRAM Deputy Director, succeeding myself who took over the position of IRAM Director. Together with Christelle MESUREUR, who is the Head of Administration since March, 2005, we will form the directorial staff for the next 5 years.
I will succeed Michael GREWING who has been serving as IRAM Director for 16 years. With his dedication, energy and competence, Michael GREWING has served IRAM over a period extending from the early start of the Plateau de Bure interferometer to the instrument as we know it today. Michael deserves a lot of credit for having maintained the level of IRAM to a world leading institute in radioastronomy, especially during the very difficult period following the tragical accidents of 1999. During his directorship, both the interferometer and the 30-meter telescope have seen many profound changes and improvements, enabling new instrumentation to be installed and opening new windows in the exploration of the universe. During the last decade, Michael GREWING has also been instrumental in increasing the participation of IRAM in the European Framework Programmes and in strengthening the role of IRAM in the ALMA project. It is the will of the new directorship to continue the challenging task of maintaining the world leading status of IRAM over the coming years, through both technological developments and cutting-edge scientific activities. Michael GREWING will have finally time to devote his energy and imagination to science and use for his research the instruments he has so much helped to bring to their current state. We wish him all the best in this new endeavour.