I’ve written previously about the close working relationship between SETI researchers and the ultra-skeptic group CSICOP (now known as CSI). Don’t expect that to change in the near future, because David Morrison is taking over from Frank Drake at the SETI Institute:
A new director has stepped up to lead the Carl Sagan Center for Study of Life in the Universe at the SETI Institute, taking the reins from previous long-time director and SETI pioneer, Frank Drake.
The new chief, David Morrison, was appropriately the first doctoral student of famed astronomer Carl Sagan. In addition to his new directorial position at the SETI Institute, Morrison retains (part time) his previous position at NASA Ames Research Center, located in Moffett Field, Calif., where he is Director of the NASA Lunar Science Institute and Senior Scientist for Astrobiology.
…Morrison has long been a supporter of the SETI Institute, and his history with the non-profit scientific organization that is dedicated to research, exploration and education in the field of astrobiology, dates back to 1988.
“The SETI Institute has partnered with scientists at NASA Ames in a teaming arrangement that has greatly benefited both organizations,” said Morrison in a statement. “The Institute played an especially important role in the development of the new multidisciplinary field of astrobiology. I always hoped that I would eventually find a way to work more directly with them.”
David Morrison is also a Fellow of CSI(COP), and has written articles over the years for its mouthpiece, Skeptical Inquirer. Notably SETI scientists Seth Shostak and Jill Tarter are also CSI Fellows.
*Sigh*. SETI, I so want to like you, but you just keep making it more difficult every year.
Previously on TDG:
