Caltech Appoints Ray Jayawardhana as New President
The California Institute of Technology, globally recognized as a premier institution for scientific research and education, has officially announced the appointment of Ray Jayawardhana as its new president. This significant leadership transition places Jayawardhana at the helm of one of the world's most prestigious technical universities, a role he is set to assume in the coming months. Jayawardhana comes to Caltech from Cornell University, where he served as the Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and as a professor of astronomy. He is a distinguished astronomer and an acclaimed science communicator, known for his research on the origins of planets and brown dwarfs. His selection follows an extensive international search conducted by the Institute's Board of Trustees to find a successor to the outgoing president, Thomas F. Rosenbaum. In a statement regarding the appointment, the Chair of the Board expressed confidence in Jayawardhana's ability to lead Caltech into its next chapter. They highlighted his proven track record as a visionary academic leader, his dedication to fundamental research, and his commitment to fostering an inclusive and collaborative scientific community. Jayawardhana expressed his profound honor at being chosen to lead the Pasadena-based institution. He noted that Caltech represents the pinnacle of discovery and innovation, and he looks forward to working with the faculty, students, and staff to tackle the most pressing scientific challenges of our time. He emphasized his goal to expand the Institute's impact on society through groundbreaking research and education. Throughout his career, Jayawardhana has been a vocal advocate for the importance of basic science. At Cornell, he was instrumental in advancing interdisciplinary initiatives and strengthening ties between the sciences and the humanities. He has also authored books intended to demystify complex scientific concepts for the general public, aligning with the public outreach mission often embraced by major research universities. Caltech is home to numerous NASA research centers, including the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and has a long history of managing major astronomical observatories. Under Jayawardhana's leadership, the Institute is expected to continue its pioneering work in fields ranging from quantum science to planetary geology. The transition of power will occur over the summer, with Jayawardhana officially taking office on July 1. The appointment comes at a time of intense competition in higher education for research funding and top talent. University leaders are increasingly expected to possess not only scientific acumen but also the fundraising prowess and administrative skills to navigate complex institutional landscapes. Jayawardhana’s experience in donor relations and strategic planning at Cornell positions him well to address these challenges. Faculty members have reacted positively to the news, citing his reputation as an accessible and engaged administrator. There is hope that his arrival will bring fresh perspectives while upholding the rigorous academic standards for which Caltech is renowned. As the scientific community watches this transition, the focus remains on how Jayawardhana will steer the institute's strategic priorities and further its mission of pushing the boundaries of human knowledge.
