James Duderstadt

James J. Duderstadt
Duderstadt in 2015
11th President of the
University of Michigan
In office
1988–1996
Preceded byHarold Tafler Shapiro
Succeeded byLee Bollinger
Personal details
Born(1942-12-05)December 5, 1942
DiedAugust 21, 2024(2024-08-21) (aged 81)
Alma materYale University (BA)
California Institute of Technology (MS, PhD)
ProfessionProfessor
Scientific career
FieldsPhysics
ThesisThe theory of neutron wave propagation (1968)

James Johnson Duderstadt (December 5, 1942 – August 21, 2024) was an American nuclear physicist and academic administrator. He served as the eleventh president of the University of Michigan from 1988 to 1996 and as the tenth dean of the University of Michigan College of Engineering from 1981 to 1986.

Duderstadt was elected a member of the National Academy of Engineering in 1987 for significant contributions to nuclear science and engineering relating to fission and fusion energy systems and reactor theory and design.

On April 30, 2015, the National Science Board announced that James Duderstadt would receive its Vannevar Bush Award. Duderstadt was recognized for his leadership in science and technology and his substantial contributions to the welfare of the nation through public service activities in science, technology and public policy.

He held the title of President Emeritus and University Professor of Science and Engineering at the University of Michigan.