Press Release 06-169
NSF Assistant Director for Geosciences Accepts Position in Industry

December 7, 2006

Margaret Leinen, assistant director for geosciences at the National Science Foundation (NSF), announced today she will become the chief science officer and vice president of Climos, a climate change research firm, as of January 2007.

Since January 2000, Leinen has led NSF's geosciences directorate in providing the community with a wealth of transformational infrastructure. She led the transition of the ocean drilling program to the integrated ocean drilling program, oversaw the development of the ocean observatories initiative--a critical research element of the integrated ocean observation system, and oversaw development of the advanced modular incoherent scatter radar.

"Dr. Leinen's tenure at NSF has been a beacon to all in the geosciences, providing guidance through both calm seas and rough waters in this field, and ending in notable achievements," said NSF Director Arden L. Bement, Jr. "NSF very much appreciates her leadership and contributions. We wish her the very best in her new position."

Her other accomplishments at NSF include starting the EarthScope Project and overseeing planning that led to HIAPER, the aircraft that is NSF's high-performance instrumented airborne platform for environmental research. Leinen also directed NSF's environmental research and education efforts, which involved coordinating a portfolio of environmental programs across the agency and involved all directorates and offices.

Prior to joining NSF, Leinen was with the University of Rhode Island, where she served as dean of the Graduate School of Oceanography, dean of the College of Environment and Life Sciences, and vice provost for marine programs.

Leinen also served as the vice chair of the interagency Climate Change Science Program and as a co-chair of the interagency Joint Subcommittee on Ocean Science and Technology, at which she had a leadership role in the development of the ocean research priorities plan for the federal government.

At Climos, Leinen will oversee efforts to address global climate change through development of a better understanding of Earth's carbon cycle. Climos is based in San Francisco and was co-founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneurs Dan Whaley and Richard Whilden to research climate issues and develop viable solutions for global change problems.

In addition to work with Climos, Leinen will remain active in the ocean science research community. She will continue living in the Washington, D.C. area.

-NSF-

Media Contacts
Cheryl Dybas, NSF (703) 292-7734 cdybas@nsf.gov

The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.

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