ASU Regents Professor Alexandra Navrotsky receives honorary doctorate from ETH Zurich

By David Rozul |
December 17, 2025

Alexandra Navrotsky, Regents Professor in Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences and the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, has received an honorary doctorate from ETH Zurich, one of the world’s leading universities in science and engineering. Navrotsky was recognized for her outstanding contributions to solid-state chemistry, mineralogy and materials science.

In announcing the honor, ETH Zurich recognized her as a world-leading authority in the field of thermodynamics of complex materials and as one of the most innovative and influential researchers at the intersection of geophysics and materials science.

“This is a well-deserved recognition of Professor Navrotsky’s extraordinary impact on science,” said Tijana Rajh, director of ASU’s School of Molecular Sciences. “Her work has shaped how researchers across disciplines think about materials and energy, and her leadership continues to inspire scientists around the world. We are proud to have her as part of the SMS community.”

Alexandra Navrotsky posing for a photo as she receives an honorary doctorate — Alexandra Navrotsky, Regents Professor in Arizona State University’s School of Molecular Sciences and the School for Engineering of Matter, Transport and Energy, with Professor Günther Dissertori, rector of ETH Zurich, in November. Photo courtesy of ETH Zurich

Navrotsky traveled to Zurich in November to accept the honorary doctorate. During her visit, she delivered a lecture titled “Adventures in Thermodynamics,” highlighting recent research from her group and outlining future directions in the study of complex materials. She also met with ETH faculty and students, toured research facilities and participated in scientific discussions with colleagues.

Navrotsky’s research has provided foundational insights into how materials store and release energy, how they behave under extreme conditions, and how those properties can be applied to challenges in energy, Earth and planetary sciences, and advanced materials design. Her work has influenced both fundamental discovery and real-world applications across multiple fields.

“It is an immense honor to get this honorary degree from a world-class university where I have many coworkers, friends and colleagues,” Navrotsky said. “My trip to Zurich was delightful.”