July 28, 2026 Ben Lindley promoted to Associate Professor Written By: Lili Sarajian Departments: Nuclear Engineering & Engineering Physics Categories: Faculty The University of Wisconsin–Madison Department of Nuclear Engineering and Engineering Physics is pleased to recognize Ben Lindley for his promotion to Associate Professor. This promotion recognizes Lindley’s dedication to teaching and service and his outstanding research achievements in the areas of nuclear reactor physics, advanced reactor design, and integrated energy systems. “Tenure recognizes exceptional achievement by a faculty member through permanent institutional commitment to their scholarly pursuits,” says Department Chair Kathryn Huff. “Prof. Lindley has rapidly built a nationally recognized research program spanning advanced fission and fusion energy systems which will continue to strengthen UW–Madison’s leadership in nuclear innovation for decades to come.” Lindley is leading a number of new and ongoing projects to reduce the cost of advanced nuclear reactors, including a multi-institution effort to develop and test a critical fusion technology. Funded by a $19 million Fusion Innovative Research Engine (FIRE) award from the U.S. Department of Energy, the project will directly benefit commercial fusion power plant developers. Lindley holds a joint faculty appointment at Argonne National Laboratory and co-founded Realta Fusion, a UW–Madison spinoff company that just announced the establishment of a new fusion R&D facility in Wisconsin. In 2024, Lindley was named to the inaugural Nuclear News 40 Under 40 list, honoring young professionals that are shaping the nuclear industry. “Even by the high standards of the University of Cambridge, Ben was an exceptional undergraduate and postgraduate student,” says Professor Geoff Parks. “I had the pleasure of supervising his MEng project and his PhD, and we have remained in touch ever since, collaborating on projects of mutual interest from time to time. I’m delighted, but not at all surprised, to learn of Ben’s promotion to Associate Professor. It was obvious from the get-go that he was destined for great success.”