Celebrating Bill Curry: A Decade of Impact at BIOS

After more than a decade leading the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences, Bill Curry will step down at the end of June, leaving behind a legacy of scientific excellence, organizational resilience, and strategic foresight

In a gathering of BIOS board members, trustees, donors, and distinguished partners, Bill was acknowledged for mentoring emerging scientists and overseeing BIOS’s successful integration with Arizona State University (ASU). Reflecting on their shared journey, board co-chair Bill Charrier remarked, “Thirteen years later, we have a partner,” referencing the landmark partnership with ASU. “The two Bills, as we were known,” he added, “worked closely together forging the strong path BIOS is on today.”

Longtime supporter and trustee Jim Stanard, widely recognized as the visionary behind the partnership with a U.S. university, described BIOS as “a jewel” — a uniquely special asset that requires strong leadership. He emphasized that the role of BIOS leadership is “extraordinarily important,” particularly in continuing to “build the science.” He thanked Bill for all he has done to contribute to BIOS’s success and noted that “there is much more success to come.”

Rob Cawthorn, a supporter and trustee, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Bill leaves BIOS organizationally, scientifically, academically — and perhaps above all, financially — in great shape, even in this uncertain world.” His remarks underscored the deep gratitude for Bill’s role in securing the future stability of BIOS and preparing it for the important upcoming leadership transition.

The keynote was delivered by Peter de Menocal, president and director of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), who reflected on the shared history between BIOS and WHOI. He described Bill Curry as “a giant… a mentor… someone I looked up to very early in my career and whose counsel I still value today.” Both institutions, he said, “were established with the same support of the Rockefeller Foundation and emerged from the landmark Lillie Commission.” He praised Bill’s career and its impact on ocean science, adding that Bill is passing on a great institution to the incoming director, Craig Carlson, and noted that “he looks forward to closely collaborating with Craig.”

BIOS will welcome Craig Carlson at the start of August as its new Director, ushering in the next chapter of scientific discovery for Bermuda.

Read more about Bill Curry; A Legacy of Leadership, Innovations and Ocean Science