Imre Paul Gyuk

Dr. Imre Gyuk, a pioneering energy researcher, passionate public servant, and devoted mentor, passed away on July 24th at the age of 85. As Director of, and then Chief Scientist for, Energy Storage Research at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity, Dr. Gyuk played a leading role in transforming how the nation thinks about and uses electricity, championing the development of resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy storage systems.

Born in Berlin during a time of war and upheaval, Dr. Gyuk grew up in historic Salzburg. He and his parents, Maria and George, emigrated to the United States where he pursued an extraordinary academic path. He did graduate studies at Brown University before earning a Ph.D. in theoretical particle physics from Purdue University. A gifted polymath, he taught physics, architecture, civil engineering, and the history of science at Syracuse, the University of Wisconsin and Kuwait University, before joining the Department of Energy and turning his focus toward one of the most pressing issues of the modern era: clean energy.

For decades, Dr. Gyuk was a tireless advocate for large-scale energy storage, grid modernization and energy equity. He oversaw the DOE’s storage research portfolio, driving innovation in battery technologies and storage integration. His work enabled solar and wind energy to play a greater role in America’s energy mix and supported community resilience projects in remote regions, including Native American lands, hurricane-hit islands, and underserved urban areas.

Dr. Gyuk was known not only for his intellect but for his genuine interest in other people. He mentored young scientists and entrepreneurs with care and enthusiasm, often referring to storage as “a bridge to the future.” His passion for both cutting-edge science/technology and social good earned him respect across government, industry, and academia.

Outside the office, Imre was a lover of classical music, poetry, the outdoors and world culture and language. His conversations could wander seamlessly from thermodynamics to theology, from linguistics to Lobachevsky, often infused with wit and a deep sense of curiosity. Inspired by his childhood dreams of adventure, he took great joy in visiting new countries or getting to know familiar countries more deeply. One of his proudest accomplishments was visiting more than a hundred UNESCO World Heritage Sites across dozens of countries. Imre particularly enjoyed hiking and foraging for wild plants and mushrooms. In earlier years he was an avid caver and maintainer of hiking trails.

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Nora Gyuk, his children, Aranka, Drin and Geza, and his grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that friends share their memories of Imre in the comments below.