The University of Arizona has appointed Robert J. Bodnar to lead the foundational phase of the U of A's new Mining and Earth Resources Innovation Institute, or the MINERVA Institute, as its inaugural executive director. His appointment, effective May 11, includes a faculty appointment as professor and Lundin family chair in economic geology in the Department of Geosciences in the College of Science.

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Bodnar, a world-renowned geochemist and member of the National Academy of Sciences, brings over four decades of research and leadership to the U of A. His career has been defined by a commitment to understanding the complex systems that form our planet's mineral resources. Most recently, he served as the C.C. Garvin professor of geochemistry and a university distinguished professor at Virginia Tech.

At the U of A, Bodnar will lead efforts to shape the vision, structure and long-term direction of the university's research initiative in mining, critical minerals and subsurface science and innovation.

"Securing a sustainable supply of critical minerals is essential as we prepare for a future defined by the AI revolution, the energy transition and evolving national security needs," said Tomás Díaz de la Rubia, senior vice president for research and partnerships at the U of A. "Bob Bodnar's vision and integrity will be instrumental as we lead the way in resource discovery and advance our land-grant mission."

Under Bodnar's leadership, the Mining and Earth Resources Innovation Institute will operate as a research accelerator, bringing together university-wide expertise in areas including geosciences, mining engineering, mining law, energy and resource economics, environmental science, and Native American policy and engagement. By uniting these and other disciplines, the institute will advance convergent, cross-disciplinary research to drive discovery, strengthen industry and federal agencies partnerships, and advance real-world impact.

"The University of Arizona played an important role in my success as a geologist, and I am honored to give back to the institution that gave me my start in my chosen career," said Bodnar, who earned his master's in geology from the U of A after studying chemistry as an undergraduate. "My goal is to establish the U of A as the premiere global destination for scholarship in mineral deposits and subsurface science, building on our existing strengths across campus while deepening our engagement with government agencies and the private sector."

Bodnar has authored more than 330 peer-reviewed publications and is widely recognized as one of the most highly cited earth scientists in the world. Bodnar serves as president of the Mineralogical Society of America and is an elected fellow of the American Geophysical Union, Mineralogical Society of America, Geochemical Society, Geological Society of America, Society of Economic Geologists and American Association for the Advancement of Science.