EPFL Professor Michael Graetzel receives the title of doctor honoris causa of the NKUA’s Department of Chemistry

The Director of the Laboratory of Photonics and Interfaces at EPFL, Professor Michael Graetzel, was awarded the title of doctor honoris causa of the Department of Chemistry of the NKUA’s School of Science.

The awarding ceremony took place on Tuesday, 5 November 2024, at 12:00, at the Great Hall of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (main building, 30 Panepistimiou St).

Addressing the ceremony was the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Professor Gerasimos Siasos.

It was the Vice-President of the NKUA’s Administration Council, Professor at the Department of Chemistry Mr Nikolaos Thomaidis, who presented the work and personality of the honouree.

Immediately afterwards, the Chair of the Department of Chemistry of the NKUA’s School of Science, Professor Evi Lianidou, read the Department’s Resolution, the Award, and the Honorary Diploma.

Then, the Dean of the NKUA’s School of Science, Professor Aristeidis Parmakelis, invested the honouree with the gown of the School.

The ceremony concluded with the honouree, Professor Michael Graetzel, delivering a speech entitled ‘Energy Beyond Oil’.

In his address to the honouree, Professor Gerasimos Siasos, the Rector of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, said, among other things, the following: ‘Professor Graetzel is one of the most distinguished figures worldwide in the fields of Chemistry and Renewable Energies and has contributed significantly to the progress of science through research and discoveries that paved new paths for sustainable development and energy transition.

The honouree serves the science of Chemistry by researching the conversion of solar energy into chemical and electrical energy as well as storage. He is internationally renowned for his pioneering discovery of the dye-sensitized solar cells, the so-called Graetzel cells. He was the first to conceive and implement mesoscopic photosystems for the conversion of solar light into electrical energy as well as chemical fuels mimicking natural photosynthesis—a promising alternative to traditional photovoltaics. His work has sparked global interest, opening the way for sustainable solutions in the production of energy.

His publications, numbering over 1,800, with some 500,000 citations—the largest number of citations in Chemistry worldwide—are a performance that mirrors his influence in the international research community.

Professor Graetzel is a true pioneer. Beyond the realm of Chemistry, his contribution to science and technology has a significant impact on upcoming advancements in renewable energy and enables humanity to create a sustainable future.’