Prof. George R. Blumenthal
Chancellor, Professor of Astronomy and Astrophysics, University of California, Santa Cruz, George Blumenthal is a distinguished theoretical astrophysicist and seasoned academic administrator. He earned his B.S. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and his Ph.D. in physics from UC San Diego. He is the co-author of one of the leading astronomy textbooks, 21st Century Astronomy.
With a research focus on theoretical astrophysics, his work spans subjects ranging from gamma ray bursts, compact X-ray sources, and active galactic nuclei to cosmology, and the origin of structure in the Universe. He helped lead the way in developing the “cold dark matter theory” of galaxy formation.
In addition to his distinguished scholarship, Blumenthal has broad experience as an academic leader both at UC Santa Cruz and within the University of California system. He chaired the UC Santa Cruz Division of the Academic Senate from 2001 to 2003, and twice previously chaired the campus’s world-renowned Department of Astronomy and Astrophysics. He also served on the campus’ Silicon Valley Initiative task force, which established the vision for UC Santa Cruz’s engagement and activities in Silicon Valley.