Kumar Sridharan's research spans a broad spectrum of areas in materials science including high temperature materials, surface treatments, wear, corrosion, and plasma-based surface engineering and synthesis of materials. His specific research focus in regards to energy is on materials issues in nuclear and fossil power systems, and molten salts for storage of process heat from nuclear and solar, and other energy sources.

Dr. Sridharan has provided research mentorship to over 100 graduate and undergraduate students, and post-doctoral research associates. He serves on the editorial committee of the journal, Advanced Materials & Processes which specializes in reports on cutting-edge, applications-driven materials research and associated manufacturing processes. In 2008, Dr. Sridharan was elected Fellow of American Society for Materials for distinguished contributions in the field of materials science & engineering, and in 2013 he received the University of Wisconsin–Madison's Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Research. In 2015, he was inducted as Fellow of Institute of Materials, Minerals, and Mining, United Kingdom, in recognition of his contributions to materials science and applications, and education. In 2016, he received the Faculty Recognition Award given for enriching and inspiring collegiate experience of undergraduate students by Leaders in Engineering Excellence and Diversity in the University of Wisconsin–Madison's College of Engineering.