Robert J. Birgeneau

Robert J. Birgeneau is the Arnold and Barbara Silverman Distinguished Professor of Physics, Materials Science and Engineering, and Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. He served as UC Berkeley's ninth chancellor from 2004 to 2013, following a 25-year faculty career at MIT and a presidential role at the University of Toronto. A fellow of multiple prestigious societies, he holds faculty appointments in three Berkeley departments while maintaining active research and policy engagement.

• Education: B.Sc. in Mathematics (University of Toronto, 1963), Ph.D. in Physics (Yale University, 1966)
• Career: Yale faculty (1966-1967), Oxford (1967-1968), Bell Labs (1968-1975), MIT (1975-2000), UC Berkeley (2000-present)

His research focuses on condensed matter physics and materials science, particularly the fundamental properties of materials. He also engages deeply in higher education policy and equity initiatives, reflecting his administrative legacy across multiple institutions.

Scientific honors include:

• Special Founders Award (American Academy of Arts and Sciences)
• 2008 Carnegie Corporation Academic Leadership Award
• 2009 Pathfinders to Peace Prize (Shinnyo-en Foundation)
• 2012 Compton Medal (American Institute of Physics)