Archive · 7 Jan 2026
Ray Jayawardhana Named Caltech’s Incoming President
Ray Jayawardhana is a famous scientist who studies stars and planets.
He will become the new leader of Caltech, a very important university in California, starting in July 2026.
Before this, he was a leader at Johns Hopkins University.
The university's board chose him after looking around the world for the best person for the job.
He will replace Thomas F. Rosenbaum, who has been leading Caltech for 12 years.
Caltech is known for its great research and teaching, and Jayawardhana is expected to continue this tradition.
Ray Jayawardhana will become the 10th president of Caltech, starting July 1, 2026.
He is currently the provost at Johns Hopkins University and is known for his work in astrophysics and science communication.
The Board of Trustees selected him after an international search.
He succeeds Thomas F. Rosenbaum, who has led Caltech for 12 years.
Caltech is celebrating its 105th year and is renowned for its research and academic excellence.
- Who
- Ray Jayawardhana, a renowned astrophysicist and university leader
- What
- Named as the incoming president of Caltech
- When
- Appointment effective July 1, 2026
- Where
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena
- Why
- To lead the institution following a months-long international search
- Name
- Ray Jayawardhana
- Position
- Incoming President of Caltech
- Previous Role
- Provost at Johns Hopkins University
- Appointment Date
- July 1, 2026
- Institution
- California Institute of Technology (Caltech)
- Successor
- Thomas F. Rosenbaum
- Tenure of Predecessor
- 12 years
- Caltech History
- 105 years