Alexander V. Sobolev

Prof. Alexander V. Sobolev is a Distinguished University Professor at the Institut Science de la Terre (ISTerre), University of Grenoble Alpes, France (since 2009), and a visiting research fellow at the Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow (2006-present). He previously held prestigious positions including Gauss Professor at Gottingen University (2009-2010) and Wolfgang Paul Professor at Max Planck Institute for Geochemistry (2001-2005).

• Education:
• M.Sc. in geochemistry with distinction from Novosibirsk State University (1976)
• Ph.D. in geochemistry (1983)
• Doctor of Science (1997) with thesis on mantle-derived melts
• Professor in geochemistry (1998)

Research Focus: His work spans mantle petrology, trace element and isotope geochemistry, melt/fluid inclusions, and mantle geodynamics. He employs advanced methods like SIMS and LA-ICP-MS to study mantle melting and melt evolution in diverse tectonic environments.

Publication Trends: His recent work (2016-2023) emphasizes mantle heterogeneity, volatiles in mantle, komatiite genesis, and analytical technique innovation, with a particular focus on isotope geochemistry and mantle recycling using melt inclusion data.

• Scientific Honors:
  • Fellow of the Geochemical Society (2021)
  • A.P. Vinogradov Prize (2020)
  • ERC Synergy Grant (2019)
  • Academician, Russian Academy of Sciences (2016)
  • Senior Member, Institut Universitaire de France (2015)
  • Academia Europaea member (2013)
  • Three-time Humboldt award recipient (1999, 2001, 2009)

Advising & Grants: As Senior Chair of Excellence (2009-2014) and head of a Russian scientific school (2006-present), he has mentored numerous researchers. His ERC Synergy Grant (2019-2026) supports cutting-edge mantle geodynamics research.

Labs & Teams: Currently leads research at ISTerre while maintaining collaborations with Russian Academy of Sciences and Max Planck Institute. Has directed multiple laboratories including Vernadsky Institute (2006-2011) and headed mantle magmas research section (1990-1999).