Shripad Revankar, professor in the Purdue University School of Nuclear Engineering, has been appointed director of the Nuclear Energy Pillar within Purdue’s Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI), a campus-wide initiative advancing next-generation energy systems, infrastructure, and technologies.

The institute brings together Purdue faculty from across disciplines to address complex energy challenges through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. It supports regional and national efforts to modernize energy systems, strengthen industry partnerships, and advance long-term energy research. Focus areas include energy generation, storage, conversion, materials, and supply chains.

“Energy is the foundation of everything—our economy, our industries, and our daily lives,” Revankar said. “At the same time, we are facing increasing demand for reliable and affordable energy. This institute is about bringing expertise together to solve complex energy problems. Each discipline contributes its strengths, but real progress happens when those strengths are integrated.”

IEI operates as a university-level program connecting expertise across engineering and other fields, aligning research and education with industry needs. Rather than replacing existing efforts, it serves as a coordinating hub for large-scale, cross-disciplinary energy challenges.

“Dr. Revankar’s leadership strengthens our ability to connect cutting-edge research with industry needs,” said Fabio Ribeiro, executive director of the Institute for Energy Innovation. “His expertise in nuclear energy will play an important role in advancing innovative, abundant, affordable, reliable and scalable solutions that address both current and future energy challenges.”

Revankar brings more than four decades of experience in nuclear engineering, with research spanning advanced reactor design, safety analysis, and system innovation. He has worked in the field since 1981 and has witnessed significant shifts in the nuclear energy landscape, including renewed interest in advanced and small modular reactors.

Nuclear energy provides about 20% of U.S. electricity, making it a critical source of reliable, power. As director of the Nuclear Energy Pillar, Revankar will lead efforts to advance nuclear technologies as part of a diversified energy strategy. His role includes fostering industry partnerships, supporting advanced reactor development, and aligning research with emerging energy demands, including growth in data centers and advanced manufacturing.

“New energy needs require reliable, large-scale power,” Revankar said. “Nuclear energy is uniquely positioned to meet those demands with abundant, consistent output.” The institute also emphasizes workforce development, preparing students and professionals for an evolving, interdisciplinary energy landscape.