The Alliance for Sustainable Energy (Alliance) announces the appointment of Jud Virden, Ph.D., as director of NREL and president of the Alliance, which manages the laboratory for the Department of Energy (DOE).

Dr. Virden will officially join NREL in this role on Oct. 1, 2025. Virden was selected following a competitive national search.

Virden joins NREL from Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where he has served as associate laboratory director for the Energy and Environment Directorate since 2011. In that role, he led approximately 1,700 scientists, engineers, and staff advancing DOE’s applied energy priorities—ranging from power grid modernization and energy technologies to nuclear and environmental management.

“Jud’s leadership in driving transformative energy solutions makes him an outstanding fit for NREL,” says Alliance Board co-chairs Ian Colrain, president and CEO of MRI-Global, and Juan Alvarez, EVP of laboratory operations at Battelle.

“He brings a rare combination of scientific rigor, strategic vision, and a collaborative spirit—paired with a deep understanding of DOE priorities and the national lab system. His ability to translate innovation into impact makes him ideally suited to lead NREL into its next chapter.”

“It’s a privilege to step into this role at such a pivotal time,” Dr. Virden says. “I am eager to build on NREL’s reputation for scientific excellence and drive meaningful, lasting transformation. I look forward to growing collaborations within DOE, industry, academia, and the national labs—working together to accelerate energy innovation and impact.”

Dr. Virden will succeed Dr. Martin Keller, who has served as NREL’s laboratory director since 2015. Under Dr. Keller’s leadership, NREL has experienced record growth in funding, talent, and impact—cementing its role as a global leader in energy research and innovation. He will continue at the laboratory as a strategic advisor through early November to ensure a smooth transition. Dr. Keller will then leave the laboratory for his new role as president of the Helmholtz Association in Berlin, Germany.

“Martin led with vision, thoughtfulness, and unwavering integrity,” Colrain and Alvarez says. “His leadership left an enduring mark on NREL’s legacy and future. We thank him for his extraordinary service and look forward to seeing the continued impact of his work in the global research community.”