Historic Leadership Change: John Mulchaey Takes the Reins as President of Carnegie Science!

In an exciting development for the scientific community, the Carnegie Science Board of Trustees has officially named Dr. John Mulchaey as the institution's 12th President, effective immediately. Dr. Mulchaey, a dedicated scientist and leader with over 30 years of service to Carnegie Science, previously served as Interim President since October 2023.

Chairman Craig Barrett praised Mulchaey’s extensive contributions, stating, “John’s sustained contributions to Carnegie Science, both as a scientist and leader, have earned him the respect of his peers and the trust of the board. His visionary approach to research and institutional advancement makes him the right leader during these challenging times for science.”

Mulchaey’s journey with Carnegie Science began in 1994 as a postdoctoral fellow, and he has since risen through the ranks, demonstrating exceptional leadership. As Director and Crawford H. Greenewalt Chair of the Carnegie Science Observatories since 2015, he initiated groundbreaking instrumentation projects, launched the Carnegie Theoretical Astrophysics Center, and significantly enhanced education and outreach efforts.

One of Mulchaey’s most notable achievements was securing a historic $34.8 million anonymous gift to fund staff and instrument development at the Observatories, marking the largest donation since the institution’s founding by Andrew Carnegie.

In his tenure as Science Deputy starting in 2021, Mulchaey identified innovative initiatives to shape Carnegie’s scientific future while fostering a thriving culture for groundbreaking research. Notably, he has been instrumental in the construction of the Giant Magellan Telescope (GMT) at Las Campanas Observatory in Chile, a project considered pivotal for the future of astronomical exploration.

As a renowned astrophysicist, Mulchaey has made key discoveries, including proving the existence of dark matter in galaxy formations and uncovering the first known binary quasar system. His research continues to reflect Carnegie Science’s dedication to answering fundamental scientific questions.

Looking ahead as president, Mulchaey aims to further strengthen Carnegie Science's role in multidisciplinary research and innovation. His ambitious priorities include completing the GMT project, supporting climate change initiatives through a novel genomes-to-ecosystems approach, protecting basic scientific research from external vulnerabilities, and nurturing the next wave of scientific talent through enhanced mentorship and educational programs.

“I am deeply honored by the Board of Trustees’ confidence in me to lead this extraordinary institution that I love so deeply,” Mulchaey said. “Carnegie Science’s legacy of discovery and commitment to expanding human knowledge inspire me daily. Together, we will explore new frontiers and ensure our work leaves a lasting impact on society.”

Mulchaey's appointment comes at a critical juncture for Carnegie Science as it strives to solidify its status as a leader in global scientific inquiry. Under his leadership, the institution is poised to confront the pressing scientific challenges of our times, foster innovation, and enhance public engagement in science.

Stay tuned for what promises to be a transformative era for Carnegie Science!