• What role will science play in your agenda for the year that you are president of APA?

It will play a central role. Psychological science is the basis for our profession and what distinguishes us from other disciplines. Less than 7 percent of NIH's budget is spent researching psychosocial factors, and funding at NSF is not keeping pace. This must change. APA needs to gain increased funding for psychological science and for new and minority scientists. We need to protect our peer-review process and fight against undue restrictions through encroachments from the government and media. Finally, it is time for APA and APS to work together for the mutual benefit of all psychologists.

• What steps would you take to ensure the success of the annual convention during your presidential tenure?

Attendance at APA conventions is declining and psychologists across the nation say they are not attending because the structure and design of the convention does not meet their needs. Scientists want more opportunities to present their research and hear the latest developments from the leaders in their specialties. Practitioners want more workshops and skill-building opportunities—not 15-minute overviews. Science and practice need to work together better to fulfill our mission. We need a major redesign of the convention to meet the multiple needs of the profession. See my Web site for more information: www.bcm.tmc.edu/familymed/jbray.