Nicholas B. Dirks

Nicholas B. Dirks is a renowned historian and anthropologist, noted for his leadership in higher education. He served as the 10th Chancellor of the University of California, Berkeley, where he remains a Professor of History and Anthropology. In June 2020, he became the President and CEO of the New York Academy of Sciences, overseeing its transition into a key resource during the pandemic and expanding its focus on social and behavioral connections with science.
During his tenure at Berkeley, Dirks initiated significant programs in Data Science and arts and design, and fostered research collaborations in neuroscience and genomics. He prioritized reforms in athletic admissions, combatting sexual violence, and expanding global partnerships with institutions like Cambridge University and the National University of Singapore. His efforts included substantial fundraising and strategic planning to enhance accessibility for low-income and underrepresented students.
Prior to Berkeley, Dirks held leadership positions at Columbia University, where he focused on interdisciplinary and diversity initiatives. He has a distinguished academic background, with teaching experience at Caltech and the University of Michigan. Dirks is a prolific author with numerous scholarly honors, fellowships, and honorary degrees, and is recognized as a Senior Member of the Council on Foreign Relations.