Caltech Welcomes Astrophysicist Ray Jayawardhana as 10th President

PASADENA, Calif. — The California Institute of Technology (Caltech) officially entered a new chapter in its distinguished history today as acclaimed astrophysicist and academic leader Ray Jayawardhana assumed office as the university's 10th president. Along with the presidency, Jayawardhana takes on the roles of professor of astronomy and the Sonja and William Davidow Presidential Chair. He succeeds Thomas Rosenbaum, who concluded a highly successful decade-long tenure that began in 2014.

Jayawardhana’s appointment, initially announced on January 6, comes at a pivotal moment for the world-renowned research institution. Founded in 1891, Caltech has long stood at the forefront of global scientific discovery and technological innovation. Notably, the university manages the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) on behalf of NASA, a critical relationship that positions Caltech at the center of humanity’s ongoing exploration of the solar system and deep space. Jayawardhana’s extensive background in planetary science and observational astrophysics makes him uniquely suited to oversee this vital national asset.

Prior to arriving in Pasadena, Jayawardhana served as the Harold Tanner Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Cornell University, where he was also a professor of astronomy. His research has focused primarily on the formation and diversity of exoplanets, as well as the origins of brown dwarfs. As an author and science communicator, he has consistently championed public engagement with science. "Caltech represents the pinnacle of intellectual curiosity and rigorous inquiry," Jayawardhana said in a statement regarding his vision. "I am deeply honored to lead this extraordinary community of scholars, researchers, and students as we push the boundaries of human knowledge and address some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet and the cosmos."

The transition marks the end of an era under Thomas Rosenbaum, whose leadership saw significant expansions in quantum science, neuroscience, and sustainability research at Caltech. As Jayawardhana steps into the presidency, faculty and administrators alike have expressed optimism about his ability to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and maintain Caltech's competitive edge in attracting top-tier global talent. Under his stewardship, the university is expected to continue its legacy of high-impact research while adapting to a rapidly evolving global scientific landscape.