Dr. Arun Majumdar stands as a preeminent leader in energy science and engineering, currently serving as the inaugural Dean of the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and holding the Jay Precourt Provostial Chair Professorship at Stanford University. His distinguished academic career builds upon a strong foundation established through his Bachelor of Technology from the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay in 1985 and his Doctorate from the University of California Berkeley in 1989. Prior to his leadership role at Stanford, Dr. Majumdar demonstrated exceptional public service as the Founding Director of the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy (ARPA-E) from 2009 to 2012, where he was nominated by President Obama and confirmed by the Senate. His government service extended further when he served as Acting Under Secretary of Energy from March 2011 to June 2012, overseeing critical portfolios including renewable energy, nuclear energy, and fossil energy initiatives.
Dr. Majumdar's pioneering research has profoundly influenced the field of energy science through his investigations into nanoscale materials and devices for energy conversion, transport, and storage applications. His current research program focuses on developing innovative solutions for refrigeration and cooling systems with zero global warming potential, advancing artificial photosynthesis reactions, and re-engineering the electricity grid for enhanced sustainability and resilience. His interdisciplinary approach bridges fundamental materials science with practical energy applications, addressing some of the most pressing challenges in global energy systems. Dr. Majumdar's scientific contributions have been instrumental in shaping both academic research directions and practical technological innovations that address real-world energy challenges.
Beyond his direct research contributions, Dr. Majumdar has played a transformative role in shaping national and global energy policy, having served on Secretary Chu's Science Team during the Deepwater Horizon oil spill response in 2010 and subsequently leading the Department of Energy review team during the Biden-Harris transition. He currently chairs the US Secretary of Energy Advisory Board under Secretary Jennifer Granholm and serves as a Science Envoy for the US Department of State, focusing on innovation in the Baltics and Poland. As a member of the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, his influence extends across academic, governmental, and industrial sectors, where he continues to advise numerous businesses in the energy innovation ecosystem. Dr. Majumdar's leadership at the Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability represents a pivotal commitment to addressing the climate crisis through integrated research, education, and practical solutions that bridge disciplinary boundaries and catalyze meaningful progress toward a sustainable energy future.
