PES DLP: Distinguished Lecturer Program DEV

PES DLP: DISTINGUISHED LECTURER PROGRAM

Fostering professional development and knowledge sharing worldwide, the IEEE PES Distinguished Lecturer Program (PES DLP) connects the Power & Energy Society’s top experts with IEEE PES chapters and members across the globe.

Through DLP, distinguished lecturers share advanced technical knowledge on cutting-edge topics in power and energy, ensuring that members benefit from the latest research developments and industry trends.

These lectures, led by recognized authorities, are delivered both in-person and virtually, making valuable learning opportunities accessible to a global audience.

lecturer program
Scope

Scope

Connecting IEEE PES chapters with distinguished lecturers to share knowledge in power and energy. Providing oversight, develops administrative processes for the PES Distinguished Lecturer Program. Responsible for making recommendations for the Governing Board on selection of Distinguished Lecturers.

DLP Goals

  • Deliver high-quality lectures globally
  • Support the technical and professional development of PES members
  • Improve PES chapter member retention and recruitment
  • Promote collaboration in power & energy
  • Inspire students and young professionals

Benefits for PES Chapters

  • Provide access to subject matter experts to enhance technical programs
  • Increase interest and member engagement for your chapter
  • Network with experts and other PES chapters
  • Support member development
  • Contribute to the global IEEE PES community
  • Offset some expenses associated with a DL technical program

Benefits for Distinguished Lecturers (DLs)

  • Recognition as subject-matter experts within the IEEE PES community.
  • Opportunity to share technical knowledge and professional experience with global PES chapters and members.
  • Increased visibility through invited talks, chapter events, conferences, and technical programs.
  • Stronger professional networking with students, researchers, industry professionals, and IEEE volunteers.
  • Platform to contribute to PES member engagement, education, and technical knowledge sharing.

Committee

Chiranjeevi Bala Kotharu

Chiranjeevi Bala Kotharu

Chair

Region 3

Bryan Gwyn

Bryan Gwyn

Past Chair

Region 1

Kasun Chandrarathna

Kasun Chandrarathna

Vice Chair

Region 3

Uzma Siddiq

Abel Jo Alex

Public Relations Lead

Region 1

John Hofman

John Hofman

Strategic DL Lead

Region 6

no photo available

Open

Government Outreach Liaison

Region --

no photo available

Open

Education Outreach Lead

Region --

no photo available

Open

Mentoring Lead / YP Mentoring Lead

Region --

Sri Lakshmi

Shri Lakshmi Eethamukkala

Graphics Volunteer

Region 10

Chapter DL Request

To ensure a smooth DLP coordination process, chapters are encouraged to begin planning at least 2 months before the proposed event date.

  1. Explore & Select

Review the list of PES Distinguished Lecturers and choose the speaker(s) based on your topic and interest.

  1. Submit Request

Fill out the DLP Speaker Request Form with event details and submit it to the PES DLP team.

  1. Review & Confirmation

The PES DLP Committee reviews your request and responds within 7–10 working days.

  1. Speaker Evaluation

After your Chapter’s DLP event the Speaker Evaluation Form will be sent to the PES Chapter DLP Lead listed provided in the Speaker Request Form. Completion of this form is required.

Renewal & Nominations Process

2026 Renewals and Nominations are now closed. They will reopen in 2028, stay tuned.

  • IEEE PES DLP opens calls for both new nominations and Distinguished Lecturer (DL) renewals every two (2) years.
  • Applications must be submitted through nominations by others or through self-nomination using the approved form & process.
  • All submitted proposals are reviewed by the PES DLP Selection and Review Committee based on the established evaluation rubrics and selection criteria.
  • The review process considers factors such as professional standing, PES involvement, technical expertise, chapter engagement, and public speaking experience.
  • Following the evaluation process, applicants will be informed regarding their selection and approval status by the committee.
  • Updates related to nomination calls, renewals, approved DLs, and program announcements will be published on the IEEE PES DLP website and official social media platforms, including LinkedIn.

Selection Criteria

  • Demonstrated professional standing in academia, industry, or research within the power and energy sector.
  • Active technical involvement and continuous engagement with IEEE PES activities, chapters, working groups, or technical committees.
  • Strong technical expertise, leadership contributions, standards involvement, research achievements, patents, or industry impact.
  • Evidence of chapter support, volunteer engagement, and contribution toward PES member development and technical activities.
  • Proven public speaking and presentation experience through invited lectures, conferences, webinars, workshops, or technical sessions.
  • Ability to communicate advanced technical concepts effectively to global IEEE PES audiences, including students, young professionals, academia, and industry members.
  • Overall contribution to the IEEE PES community, technical knowledge sharing, and professional development initiatives.

Policies & Responsibilities

  • The Distinguished Lecturer Program (DLP) is intended only for Chapter-organized technical lectures only and does not support keynote speeches, tutorials, workshops, conferences, paid workshops, tutorial and/or other paid events.
  • Each PES Chapter can have one DL visit annually, subject to the program availability and society’s approval.
  • Each Distinguished Lecturer may participate in up to three (3) lectures per calendar year. These guidelines are intended to ensure fair access, balanced global participation, and effective distribution of the program across PES Chapters worldwide.
  • Coordination with Regional or Chapter Representatives is required when the DL is planning multiple visits.
  • Hosting Chapters are required to review the IEEE Travel and Expense Reimbursement Guidelines for Volunteers before submitting a request.

Financial Responsibilities

  • Hosting Chapters are responsible for Local expenses, including but not limited to accommodation, local transportation, and venue costs. Hosting chapters may support intercontinental visits (i.e. travel between different continents or major geographic regions).
  • PES may support regional visits or nearby locations, subject to the program’s budget availability and society approval. When a lecture is arranged in conjunction with an existing business trip, PES may reimburse eligible incidental expenses
  • All Distinguished Lecturer visits must be approved in advance by the DLP Chair, or their delegated representative. See airfare, expense report submission deadlines, and other requirements at IEEE Travel and Expense Reimbursement Guidelines for Volunteers.
  • Any arrangements made outside official DLP policies and conditions are not the responsibility of PES.
  • Society approval is required for non-existing lectures. After an event is completed, eligible expenses must be submitted through the IEEE Concur system with designated codes provided by program approvers or staff. . Reimbursements are typically issued in approximately two weeks after IEEE approves the expenses.