Ray Jayawardhana Named Caltech’s 10th President

Ray Jayawardhana has been appointed as the 10th president of the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). He will officially take office on July 1, 2026, succeeding Thomas F. Rosenbaum, who has served in this role for 12 years.

Leadership and Vision

Caltech Board of Trustee Chair David W. Thompson praised Jayawardhana’s exceptional leadership qualities. He emphasized the board’s unanimous agreement on Jayawardhana’s ability to advance Caltech’s mission and inspire the academic community.

Jayawardhana expressed his honor in becoming the 10th president, emphasizing Caltech’s commitment to fundamental research. He aims to enhance the educational experience while promoting bold inventions across the institute’s global observatories and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

Acknowledging Challenges

Jayawardhana recognizes the changing landscape of higher education, marked by funding uncertainties and rapid technological advancements. He emphasized the importance of innovative thinking and community engagement in tackling complex problems.

Background and Achievements

• Prior to joining Caltech, Jayawardhana held leadership roles at Johns Hopkins University and Cornell University.
• At Johns Hopkins, he managed multiple schools and major interdisciplinary initiatives.
• He is known for launching the Data Science and AI Institute and enhancing the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences.
• Jayawardhana implemented significant educational reforms and raised the university’s engagement in public scholarship.

His scientific research focuses on planetary systems and star formations, utilizing major telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope. He has co-authored 180 scientific papers, earning over 10,000 citations.

Commitment to Public Engagement

A strong advocate for science communication, Jayawardhana has published widely, including articles in leading outlets and critically acclaimed books. His outreach endeavors aim to nurture wonder and curiosity about the universe.

A Legacy of Excellence

Jayawardhana’s journey began in Sri Lanka, where his childhood explorations of the night sky inspired his commitment to science. His accolades include several prestigious awards, such as a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Carl Sagan Medal.

As he prepares to lead Caltech, Jayawardhana reflects on the legacy of innovation and ambition at the institution and looks forward to contributing to its future successes.