Dr. Ray Jayawardhana, a distinguished Sri Lankan American astrophysicist and seasoned university administrator, has been named the next president of the California Institute of Technology, one of the United States most prestigious research universities. The appointment, announced in early January 2026 by Caltech’s Board of Trustees, marks a significant leadership milestone for the Pasadena, California institution and a notable moment for South Asian Americans in U.S. higher education leadership. Jayawardhana will assume the presidency on July 1, 2026, becoming the tenth president in Caltech’s more than a century of history and bringing a blend of academic excellence and administrative experience to the role.

Jayawardhana’s selection follows a comprehensive international search conducted by Caltech’s Board of Trustees, which emphasized both his scientific achievements and his leadership capabilities. As provost of Johns Hopkins University since 2023, he has overseen academic affairs across one of the nation’s leading research universities, guiding faculty strategy and institutional priorities during a period of evolving challenges in American higher education. His appointment at Caltech signals the institution’s intent to build on its legacy of scientific innovation while navigating complex fiscal and research landscapes.

Born in Sri Lanka and educated in elite research institutions in the United States-earning a doctorate in astronomy-Jayawardhana established himself as a world-renowned astrophysicist with significant contributions to the study of planetary formation and exoplanets before moving into academic leadership. Prior to his role at Johns Hopkins, he held key academic appointments at Cornell University, including as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, and earlier served on faculty at the University of Toronto and the University of Michigan. His scholarly work and leadership are widely respected in both national and international academic circles.

The presidency of Caltech is a role of profound influence within global science and engineering. Caltech has produced numerous Nobel laureates and is home to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a federally funded research center managed by the university for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. As president, Jayawardhana will not only steer internal academic and research priorities but also represent Caltech in national and international scientific collaborations, philanthropic engagement, and policy dialogues that shape the future of scientific inquiry in the U.S. and beyond.

Jayawardhana arrives at Caltech at a critical juncture for American science. With fluctuating federal research budgets and complex geopolitical dynamics affecting research agendas, his experience as both a researcher and administrator positions him to navigate these challenges while advocating for the role of fundamental research in advancing societal goals. His leadership is expected to reinforce Caltech’s core mission of fundamental discovery while strengthening the institute’s educational impact on the next generation of scientists and engineers.

Sri Lankan American representation in top leadership roles at major U.S. universities remains comparatively rare, making Jayawardhana’s appointment noteworthy beyond the boundaries of any single institution. His selection reflects broader progress in diversifying leadership within top-tier American higher education and highlights the contributions of immigrant and diaspora scholars to the nation’s intellectual and research ecosystem.

For students, faculty, and the broader scientific community, Jayawardhana’s presidency is anticipated to usher in continuity of Caltech’s core strengths while embracing new directions at the intersection of education, research, and societal impact. As he prepares to take the helm at Pasadena, colleagues and observers alike see his appointment as reinforcing both the institution’s rich legacy and its potential for future breakthroughs.

Key Takeaways About Ray Jayawardhana

• Sri Lankan American astrophysicist and academic administrator appointed 10th president of Caltech.
• Brings deep scientific and leadership experience from Johns Hopkins University.
• Expected to lead Caltech through research and educational priorities starting July 1, 2026.
• Appointment highlights growing South Asian American leadership in U.S. higher education.
• Represents continuity and innovation at a leading global science institution.