CHENNAI: Renowned scientist Sreekumar G Pillai has been appointed as the new director of the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), Kalpakkam, from January 1, succeeding G Karhadkar, who retired on December 31.
An official release from IGCAR said that the leadership transition strengthens IGCAR's focus on advanced nuclear research, aligning with the country's atomic energy goals.
Pillai holds a B Tech in Chemical Engineering from Calicut University. He joined the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Mumbai, in 1990, where he served for 35 years in various roles. His career began at the Plutonium Plant in Trombay as a shift charge engineer, progressing to senior process engineer and superintendent (Operations).
The new IGCAR director's major contributions were decontamination and decommissioning of the high-radiation process system, and commissioning of the Power Reactor Thoria spent fuel reprocessing facility.
His contributions were central to the national objective of transitioning towards commercial deployment of second-stage nuclear power plants, by design, construction, commissioning and operation of recycle plants. He established robust financial monitoring mechanisms for high-value projects to ensure cost control.