Renowned astronomer to promote science engagement

Professor Ray Jayawardhana, Canada Research Chair in Observational Astrophysics, has been named the University of Toronto President’s Senior Advisor on Science Engagement.

In this new role, Jayawardhana – or RayJay as he is widely known – will help raise awareness of the University of Toronto’s strengths in science teaching and research and facilitate U of T scientists to engage effectively with the community at large.

“Ray Jayawardhana’s passion for doing scientific research is almost matched by his passion for promoting it,” says U of T President David Naylor.  “His enthusiasm for science is absolutely infectious.” 

Jayawardhana plans to build partnerships with external organizations in the Greater Toronto Area and beyond, offer science writing courses to graduate students and develop a Science Leadership Program to help faculty members successfully integrate public outreach into their careers.

Jayawardhana will also serve as the U of T’s representative on the Association of American Universities (AAU) Initiative for Improving Undergraduate Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) education. The AAU, of which U of T is a member, is focusing on STEM fields, which have been critical for generating new ideas, companies and industries that drive economic competitiveness.

Jayawardhana is a recognized international leader in the study of exo-planets and brown dwarfs, and publishes extensively in top research journals. He also reaches a broad audience outside the scientific community, writing popular articles and books such as Strange New Worlds: The Search for Alien Planets and Life Beyond Our Solar System. He also delivers numerous public lectures and makes frequent media appearances. He led a thought-provoking ad campaign on Toronto Transit vehicles that drew clear links between the science of astronomy and everyday life, and organized Cosmic Frontiers lectures that drew capacity crowds to Convocation Hall. It’s all part of his commitment to sharing his passion for science with the public and school children.

“I am delighted about this new mandate, and look forward to working with my colleagues from across the university in fulfilling it,” says Jayawardhana. “I feel strongly about the value of scientists reaching out and engaging with the wider community, not only to report on our discoveries but also to share the excitement and challenges of the scientific process, to inspire kids and to encourage innovation.”