Alberto de Tagle, the Getty Conservation Institute's chief scientist, resigned from his position at the Institute, effective January 2002, to accept the post of director of scientific research at the Netherlands Institute of Cultural Heritage in Amsterdam.

During his tenure at the GCI, de Tagle oversaw work on a number of the Institute's scientific projects, including research on the use of gels cleaning systems and their long-term effects on painted surfaces; studies on the efficacy of sustainable climate control strategies for improving collection environments in hot and humid regions; and research on materials and application procedures used in the treatment of lime-based mortars and plasters.

Prior to his appointment at the GCI, de Tagle was head of the analytical laboratories at the Winterthur Museum and Gardens in Delaware and adjunct associate professor in the Art Conservation Program at the University of Delaware.

Jeanne Marie Teutonico, associate director for field projects and conservation science, will assume oversight for the Science group until a new chief scientist is appointed.