Robert C. Dynes, a physicist and expert on semiconductors and superconductors, served as the 18th president of the University of California and a professor of physics at UC San Diego (UCSD). Before assuming the presidency in October 2003, he served for seven years as chancellor of UCSD. He previously enjoyed a 22-year career at AT&T Bell Laboratories, where he was department head of semiconductor and material physics research and director of chemical physics research.

His numerous scientific honors include membership in the National Academy of Sciences, the 1990 Fritz London Award in Low Temperature Physics, and election to the Council of the National Academy of Sciences. He is a fellow of the American Physical Society, the Canadian Institute of Advanced Research, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is also the recipient of an honorary doctor of science degree from McMaster University.y Fellow, 1978. In 1997, he was awarded an honorary D.Sc. degree from McMaster University.