Robert C. Dynes, Ph.D., has passed away at the age of 82.
Dynes was a renowned physicist and outspoken advocate for research and public education. He was best known for his leadership of the University of California (UC) system and his unwavering support for San Diego’s research community. Dynes played a leadership role in establishing La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) facility in UC San Diego’s Science Research Park, and he served for many years as a dedicated member of LJI’s Board of Directors.
“Bob Dynes was a remarkable leader, scientist, and educator whose contributions extended far beyond any single institution,” says LJI Professor, President & CEO Erica Ollmann Saphire, Ph.D., MBA. “Bob’s service to the La Jolla Institute for Immunology as a dedicated member of our Board of Directors was characterized by his wisdom, thoughtfulness, and a deep belief in the power of science to improve human health.”
Dynes grew up in Ontario, Canada. His childhood love of tinkering led him to study math and physics at the University of Western Ontario. Dynes was a first-generation college graduate, and he went on to earn his doctorate in physics from McMasters University in 1968.
Dynes began his career at AT&T’s Bell Laboratories, where he pioneered new research into transistors and the use of lasers in communications technologies. He was quickly promoted to head of semiconductors and Director of Chemical Physics at Bell.
Dynes joined the faculty of the physics department at UC San Diego in 1991. In 1996, Dynes was named Chancellor of UC San Diego. Under his leadership, UC San Diego broke ground on the Rady School of Management, Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and the California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology (now called the Qualcomm Institute).
Dynes went on to serve as President of the University of California (UC) system from 2003 to 2008, where he oversaw 10 university campuses and many other affiliated programs. His leadership led to the opening of UC Merced, which is now a thriving hub for academic and scientific advancement in the San Joaquin Valley.
Along the way, Dynes remained an outspoken advocate for San Diego’s research community. Dynes advocated for the 23-acre Science Research Park on UC San Diego’s East Campus. With support from Dynes, LJI opened its cutting-edge research facility in Science Research Park in 2006.
LJI’s research facility is now home to more than 300 scientists who investigate the immune system’s role in infectious disease, cancer, autoimmune disease, allergy, and many other conditions. LJI is also a world leader in training the next generation of immune system scientists, including many UC San Diego graduate students.
“Bob had many accomplishments in physics and in academic leadership, but the development of Science Research Park, the future of LJI, and the LJI relationship with UC San Diego were always high on his list of priorities,” says LJI Professor and past LJI President Mitchell Kronenberg, Ph.D.
Even in retirement, Dynes’ passion for science never faded, and he continued to work long hours in his own UC San Diego laboratory. He also proved to be an invaluable member of the LJI Board of Directors from 2009 until his passing. Dynes chaired LJI’s Conflict of Interest Committee as well as the Technology Development Committee, which aims to advance LJI discoveries for development in the biomedical industry—a critical step in bringing new medical approaches to patients.
“Bob joined the LJI Board without hesitation when we asked, and he continued to serve whenever we needed him, on committees and with ad hoc advice as issues came up,” says Kronenberg. “Bob was a mentor who taught me many things about leading a scientific organization. He will be greatly missed.”
“Bob’s presence in the room was always grounding—quietly insightful, generous with perspective, and committed to the mission we all share,” says Saphire.
Dynes is survived by his wife, Ann Parode Dynes, daughter Victoria Martino, three grandchildren and his sister, Donna Dynes. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations in Dynes’ honor be directed to The Preuss School UC San Diego, which Dynes helped establish.
Learn more:
Robert C. Dynes – Oral History Interview
Robert Dynes, who built a research power at UC San Diego and led UC system, dies at 82 – San Diego Union-Tribune
In Memoriam: Robert C. Dynes – UC San Diego Today
