Caltech names Hirosi Ooguri as next chair of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy division

Ooguri, a leading string theorist, will take over the role in August 2025, succeeding Fiona Harrison after a decade of leadership.

Caltech has appointed Hirosi Ooguri, the Fred Kavli Professor of Theoretical Physics and Mathematics, as the next chair of its Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy (PMA). His appointment will take effect on August 16, 2025.

A career spanning theoretical physics and mathematics

Ooguri, a prominent researcher in string theory, has served as director of the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics at Caltech since it was founded in 2014. His work has provided insights into black holes, particle physics, dark energy, and advanced mathematical theories that bridge microscopic and macroscopic physical laws.

He received his bachelor’s degree from Kyoto University in 1984 and his PhD from the University of Tokyo in 1989 before joining the Caltech faculty in 2000. His honors include the Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon from the emperor of Japan and the Eisenbud Prize for Mathematics and Physics from the American Mathematical Society. He is a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and the American Mathematical Society.

Beyond his academic research, Ooguri has authored popular science books with more than 400,000 copies sold. His Introduction to Superstring Theory won the 2014 Kodansha Prize for Science Books, and he has served as a science advisor for a 3D dome film produced by Japan’s National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation.

Leadership beyond Caltech

In addition to his work at Caltech, Ooguri helped establish the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe at the University of Tokyo in 2007, later serving as its director from 2018 to 2023. He has also held leadership roles at the Aspen Center for Physics, serving as its president from 2016 to 2019 and as chair of the board from 2021 to 2024.

Caltech Provost David A. Tirrell says Ooguri’s appointment reflects the breadth of his contributions. “I’m delighted that Hirosi has agreed to serve as division chair,” Tirrell says. “Hirosi is a distinguished scientist and a gifted educator whose work spans much of the broad range of inquiry that characterizes our Division of Physics, Mathematics and Astronomy.”

Succeeding a decade of transformative leadership

Ooguri succeeds Fiona Harrison, the Harold A. Rosen Professor of Physics, who has chaired PMA for the past decade. During her tenure, she oversaw the hiring of 20 faculty members, the redevelopment of Sloan Laboratory into Linde Hall, the relocation of the American Institute of Mathematics to Caltech Hall, and the start of construction on the Ginsburg Center for Quantum Precision Measurement.

Under Harrison’s leadership, Caltech researchers made significant advances, including the first direct detection of gravitational waves in 2015, which contributed to the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physics. She also served as principal investigator for NASA’s NuSTAR and UVEX missions.

Ooguri acknowledges the challenges ahead while recognizing Harrison’s achievements. “For the past 25 years, Caltech has supported my research and teaching, helping me grow professionally in this remarkable academic environment,” Ooguri says. “While the times ahead may be challenging, I will do my best to help us emerge stronger. I am honored to succeed Fiona Harrison and grateful for the opportunity to serve Caltech in this new role.”