Maria Schönbächler

Maria Schönbächler is a Full Professor and Deputy Head of the Institute of Geochemistry and Petrology at ETH Zürich. Her research focuses on the formation of the Solar System and planets, with expertise in cosmochemistry, isotopic analysis, and meteorite studies. She leads projects on nucleosynthetic isotope anomalies, volatile element distribution, and planetary accretion processes.

Her recent publications highlight isotopic studies of asteroid Ryugu samples, titanium and zirconium isotope heterogeneity, and volatile depletion in carbonaceous chondrites. Key themes include early solar system water circulation, presolar grain dynamics, and Hadean mantle evolution. Collaborations span planetary science, analytical chemistry, and astrophysics.

Notable trends in publications:

• Isotopic constraints on planetary formation (Ryugu, Vesta, Earth's mantle)
• Volatile element mobility in meteorites and planetary bodies
• Protoplanetary disk heterogeneity and nucleosynthetic processes
• Advanced mass spectrometry techniques (MC-ICPMS, TIMS)
• Implications for solar system accretion and core formation