Wednesday, March 11, 2026

‘Tino’ Cuéllar Named Director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences

Mariano-Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar, a prominent figure in the legal and academic world, has been appointed as the new director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences (CASBS), one of the most esteemed academic institutions in the world. Cuéllar’s impressive credentials and commitment to interdisciplinary research make him the ideal candidate to lead the prestigious center and further its mission of advancing the social sciences.

With a distinguished career in both law and academia, Cuéllar has made significant contributions to society through his work in policy, research, and teaching. He received his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School, where he was a Fulbright Scholar and Editor-in-Chief of its prestigious law journal. He then went on to serve as a law clerk for Judge Mary Schroeder on the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit and for Justice Sandra Day O’Connor on the Supreme Court of the United States.

Cuéllar’s academic achievements are equally impressive. He has held faculty positions at Stanford Law School, where he served as vice dean, and at Harvard University, where he was a professor of Government and of Education. His expertise in law, policy, and interdisciplinary research has led him to be a sought-after advisor to governments, foundations and international organizations.

In 2009, Cuéllar was appointed as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California, making him the first Mexican-American to serve on the state’s highest court. During his tenure, he brought his unique perspective and extensive legal scholarship to bear on some of the most pressing issues facing the state, including education, immigration, and criminal justice.

After leaving the Supreme Court in 2015, Cuéllar joined the faculty of Stanford Law School, where he continued to make a significant impact in the field of law and policy. It was during this time that he became involved with the CASBS, serving as a fellow and later as a member of its board of directors. With his deep understanding of interdisciplinary research and his dedication to promoting collaboration across disciplines, he was a natural fit for the role of director.

Cuéllar’s appointment as director of the CASBS marks a new chapter in the center’s long history of pioneering research. Founded in 1954, the CASBS is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research in the social and behavioral sciences. Its scholars have made groundbreaking contributions to a wide range of fields, including sociology, psychology, economics, political science, and education.

As the new director, Cuéllar brings with him a vision to further expand and strengthen the center’s mission. His goal is to foster greater collaboration not only among the social sciences but also with other disciplines, such as engineering, technology, and medicine. He recognizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in tackling the complex challenges of our time, such as economic inequality, climate change, and social justice.

In his new role, Cuéllar will also focus on increasing diversity and inclusivity at the center. He believes that a diverse community of scholars is crucial in producing innovative and impactful research. By promoting a culture of diversity and inclusivity, the CASBS will be able to attract the best minds from different backgrounds and disciplines, further enriching its already vibrant and dynamic research community.

Cuéllar’s appointment as director of the CASBS has been met with enthusiasm and excitement from the academic community. His extensive experience and leadership skills make him the perfect candidate to lead the center into the future. With his visionary leadership, the CASBS is sure to continue its legacy of groundbreaking research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

In conclusion, the appointment of Mariano-Florentino “Tino” Cuéllar as the director of the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences is a significant milestone for both the center and the field of social sciences. Cuéllar’s illustrious career and passion for interdisciplinary research make him the ideal choice to lead the center and further its mission of advancing knowledge and promoting social progress. With his vision and leadership, we can expect the CASBS to continue to be a global leader in cutting-edge research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

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