Ian Carmichael, professor of geology, has been appointed acting director of Lawrence Hall of Science, taking over from Marion Diamond who has returned to teaching and research full time.
Carmichael said his appointment is for one year.
"My principal emphasis is how LHS can most effectively contribute to the Berkeley Pledge," he said.
Joining Carmichael will be Nancy Caputo as acting deputy director. Caputo is the former manager of the Sponsored Projects Office. Since taking early retirement in 1993, she has been working as special assistant to Joseph Cerny, vice chancellor for research.
Lawrence Hall of Science is the university's science center, dedicated to increasing public understanding of science. Annually, more than 500,000 people visit the hall. It is also renowned for its curriculum research and teacher education.
Carmichael has been a member of the Berkeley faculty since 1965. Last year, he was awarded the 1995 Murchison Medal from the Geological Society of London.
Along with his scholarly work, he has been active in administrative roles on campus. He is currently associate provost for research and has served as chair of the Department of Geology and Geophysics.