In the late 1970s, Linda Glover visited BIOS, then the Bermuda Biological Station for Research, for the first time. “I had visited marine research labs in many countries, but I was particularly charmed by the beauty of BIOS and Bermuda,” Glover said. Decades later, she received “an entirely unexpected call from the chairman of the BIOS board, Michael Naess, asking if I would like to become a trustee.” She had worked with Naess and another trustee, John Knauss, in the 1980s when they served on the U.S. Presidential Ocean Policy Commission. “While very flattered by the offer, I was still working at the time for the United States government and accepting the board position would have created a conflict of interest,” she said.

The NAS, which was established by an act of U.S. Congress in 1863, is tasked with advising the government on a wide range of topics in science, engineering, and medicine. Each year, current members elect a maximum of 120 new members, as well as 30 international members, “in recognition of their distinguished and continuing achievements in original research.”

Scientific conferences are an important, if not essential, part of a scientist’s life, both in academic and applied research. These gatherings, which often take place on an international scale, offer attendees the chance to learn about novel research, give presentations on their own research, and develop professional collaborations that can result in publications and funding opportunities.

In late April, BIOS faculty, staff, and trustees gathered on the back porch of Wright Hall—the Institute’s iconic main building—to honor its longest serving board member: Idwal Wyn, “Walwyn,” Hughes.