LPI Celebrates Jonathan Lunine’s Appointment as Chief Scientist of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory
June 11, 2024
Dr. Jonathan Lunine. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech.
The Lunar and Planetary Institute (LPI) proudly celebrates Dr. Jonathan Lunine’s appointment as the Chief Scientist of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). He will officially assume his new role on August 16, 2024.
Many of today’s leaders in planetary science got their start as summer interns at the LPI, and Jonathan Lunine is yet another example. His journey from an undergraduate summer intern in 1979 to a leading figure in planetary science and space exploration is a testament to his dedication and remarkable contributions to the field.
As chief scientist, Lunine will guide the laboratory’s scientific research and development efforts, drive innovation across JPL’s missions and programs, and enhance collaborations with NASA Headquarters, NASA centers, Caltech, academia, the science community, government agencies, and industry partners. He will also oversee the formulation of JPL’s scientific policies and priorities and guide the integrity of missions that JPL manages for NASA.
As part of his new role, Lunine has also been appointed professor of planetary science with the Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences at Caltech.
The LPI extends its heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Jonathan Lunine on his well-deserved appointment and looks forward to the groundbreaking discoveries that will undoubtedly emerge under his leadership at NASA JPL.
For more information, visit https://www.nasa.gov/centers-and-facilities/jpl/jonathan-lunine-appointed-chief-scientist-of-nasas-jet-propulsion-laboratory/.
Pictured: Jonathan Lunine, as an undergraduate student from the University of Rochester, along with the rest of the class of 1979 LPI interns. Credit: Lunar and Planetary Institute.
