Washington, D.C.— The U.S. Department of Energy has appointed three accomplished Indian-American scientists to its newly formed Office of Science Advisory Committee, a prestigious panel tasked with shaping America's science and technology future. The appointments, announced on February 3, 2026, recognize the growing influence and expertise of Indian-Americans in critical research areas including fusion energy, quantum computing, and artificial intelligence.
These three scientists join 18 other distinguished experts on the 21-member committee, which will serve through January 2028.
Supratik Guha, Suresh Garimella, and A. N.
Sreeram bring decades of combined experience spanning academia, national laboratories, and private industry. Their appointments underscore the Department of Energy's commitment to tapping global talent while advancing America's research priorities during a pivotal moment in scientific innovation.
Supratik Guha, a professor at the University of Chicago's Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, leads cutting-edge research at the intersection of nanoscience and applied technology. His 20-year tenure at IBM Research, where he pioneered work on nanoscale materials and devices, followed by his leadership of Argonne's Center for Nanoscale Materials, positions him as a world-class expert in materials science.
Suresh Garimella, who serves as president of the University of Arizona, brings a mechanical engineer's perspective combined with extensive government advisory experience. He previously served on the National Science Board, which oversees the National Science Foundation, and has advised both Sandia National Laboratories and the U.S. State Department on scientific collaboration initiatives.
A. N.
Sreeram, the senior vice president and chief technology officer at Dow Chemical Company, holds more than 20 U.S. patents and specializes in translating scientific breakthroughs into commercial products. His background in materials science and glass science, combined with his experience on the White House's President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, makes him invaluable to the committee's mission.
A fourth Indian-origin member, Pushmeet Kohli, a British Indian computer scientist serving as vice president of science and strategic initiatives at Google DeepMind, brings expertise in artificial intelligence and machine learning-driven discovery. Together, these experts represent India's significant contributions to American scientific leadership.
The newly formed Office of Science Advisory Committee consolidates the functions of six former discretionary advisory committees, creating a unified body to guide federal research priorities. The committee will advise on critical initiatives including the Genesis Mission—an AI-driven program aimed at accelerating scientific breakthroughs—as well as fusion energy development and quantum science advancement.
Darío Gil, the DOE Under Secretary for Science, emphasized the strategic importance of this diverse expertise.
The committee, chaired by Persis Drell, a materials science professor and provost emerita of Stanford University, will serve a critical advisory role as the U.S. navigates intense global competition in emerging technologies.
These appointments carry significance beyond recognition—they signal the Indian-American community's integral role in America's scientific establishment. Indian-American scientists have increasingly occupied leadership positions at premier institutions and federal agencies, driving innovation in quantum computing, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence.
Their presence on this high-level advisory committee reflects both their expertise and the value the government places on diverse perspectives in tackling complex scientific challenges.
The committee's broad mandate includes advising on federal research priorities, facilitating collaboration across national laboratories and universities, and helping the Department anticipate emerging technological trends. As the U.S. faces unprecedented competition from China and other nations in quantum science and clean energy technologies, the guidance of these experts becomes even more crucial.
The committee's work through January 2028 will inform key DOE decisions affecting America's scientific competitiveness and energy future.
These appointments reflect a broader trend of Indian-Americans rising to prominence in U.S. scientific leadership. With roots in India's strong tradition of scientific education and a commitment to innovation, Indian-Americans continue to bridge global talent with American research priorities.
The DOE's recognition of these three scientists—along with Pushmeet Kohli—demonstrates how the federal government is leveraging international expertise to advance national interests.
As the committee begins its work, readers should expect significant developments in fusion energy research, artificial intelligence applications for scientific discovery, and quantum computing advancements. The Office of Science Advisory Committee's recommendations will shape federal funding decisions and research direction through early 2028.
Indian-Americans in the scientific community can view these appointments as a validation of their contributions and an indication that doors continue to open for talented professionals from the diaspora seeking to influence American scientific policy at the highest levels.
Asia91 Original