Hirosi Ooguri

Hirosi Ooguri is the Fred Kavli Professor of Theoretical Physics and Mathematics at Caltech and Director of the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics. He holds dual roles as University Professor at the University of Tokyo and former Director of the Kavli Institute for the Physics and Mathematics of the Universe (Kavli IPMU). His research focuses on quantum field theory, quantum gravity, and string theory with emphasis on interplay between physics and mathematics. Ooguri has pioneered work on topological string theory, black hole microstates, and swampland conjectures.

• Education: B.A. & M.A. from Kyoto University (1984-1986), Ph.D. in Physics from University of Tokyo (1989)
• Affiliations: Caltech faculty since 2000, Kavli IPMU Director (2018-2023)

His research explores mathematical structures in quantum gravity and string theory, particularly in areas like AdS/CFT correspondence, conformal field theory, and holography. Notable contributions include foundational work on topological string invariants, black hole entropy calculations, and constraints on quantum gravity via swampland conjectures.

Awards: Medal of Honor with Purple Ribbon (Japan), Guggenheim Fellowship, Hamburg Prize, Eisenbud Prize for Mathematics and Physics, and Kodansha Prize for Science Books.

Ooguri has supervised over 30 Ph.D. students and advised impactful science outreach projects. He led establishment of the Walter Burke Institute for Theoretical Physics (2014) and served on global scientific leadership roles including Aspen Center for Physics President (2016-2019).