The Bermuda Biological Station for Research (BBSR) announced its new chairman yesterday.

Robert E. Cawthorn had been acting chairman of the board of trustees since February after former chairman Michael R. Naess died of cancer in February this year.

"Rob has been an enthusiastic advocate for BBSR as a board member and everyone at BBSR is pleased that he has taken on this leadership role," said BBSR director and president, Tony Knap in a press release.

The release said Mr. Cawthorn had joined BBSR's board of trustees in 2000 maintained that he has been "invaluable" for his support of marine research and educational initiatives.

Mr. Cawthorn was "instrumental" in raising funds for a laboratory building, which will be completed in 2004.

He retired in 2001 after being managing director of Global Health Care Partners of DJL Merchant Banking Partners.

BBSR was established to take advantage of Bermuda's ideal location in the Atlantic to do research and education on deep-ocean and coral reef. Along with Mr. Cawthorn, Mark J. Byrne will be BBSR's vice-chairman, Dr. Idwal Wyn Hughes and Ian Strecker will also continue as vice-chairmen.

Dr. Knap was elected president of BBSR along with his current role as director of the research station.