Gravity field data processing Professors and Supervisors

José Germán Solé MicolauView profile

Associate Professor

University Ramon LlullSpain

Dr. José Germán Solé Micolau serves as an Associate Professor at the Ebro Observatory University Institute, part of Universitat Ramon Llull, where he works within the Department of Geophysics and the Geophysics Research Group. His academic profile shows consistent research activity since 1996 with significant project involvement from 2001 through 2024. His research interests focus on geophysics, space weather, ionospheric physics, geomagnetism, and solar-terrestrial relationships . Dr. Solé Micolau's work spans multiple geographic regions including Spain, Europe, and Antarctica, with particular attention to observatory operations and data collection methodologies. His fingerprint profile shows strong activity in Observatory research (100%), Ionospheric studies (85%), Spain-focused research (62%), Night Sky observations (42%), and investigations of Europe (32%), Gravity Waves (32%), Solar Eclipses (32%), and Critical Frequency phenomena (24%). His publication record demonstrates expertise in analyzing long-term heliophysical data, extreme weather events, atmospheric composition, and geomagnetic monitoring systems. Recent work (2024) examines geomagnetic and ionospheric variations in Livingston Island, continuing his longstanding interest in polar geophysics that dates back to his 2009 publication on Antarctic observatory operations. Dr. Solé Micolau actively participates in multiple research projects including: POWER-GAS-SW (2024-2027): Analyzing space weather impacts on Spanish gas pipelines Increasing research impact in Geophysics (2024) GRGEO: Geophysics Research Group (2022-2025) IBERGIC-CAST: Assessing geomagnetically induced currents in Spain's electrical grid (2021-2024) Characterizing ionospheric disturbances and space weather impacts (2021) His collaborative network spans multiple institutions and researchers, with significant work alongside colleagues including Torta Margalef, Marsal, Curto Subirats, and Cid Solé. His research contributes to understanding space weather phenomena and their terrestrial impacts, particularly in the Spanish and European contexts.

Official University Profile

Franck RichecoeurView profile

Associate Professor

CentraleSupélecFrance

Franck Richecoeur is an Associate Professor at CentraleSupélec, specializing in experimental combustion and thermoacoustic phenomena. He holds a HDR (French post-doctoral degree) from the University of Rouen and has supervised PhD students like PIEYRE Amanda, MAZUR Marek, and TAO Wenjie. Education: PhD in High-frequency combustion instabilities (2006, École Centrale Paris), Master's (2003, University of Poitiers), Engineering degree (2003, ENSMA) Research Focus: Flame dynamics, combustion noise, ultrasound-based diagnostics, acoustic boundary conditions, and combustion instabilities in aerospace propulsion systems. Scientific Contributions: Over 20 peer-reviewed publications (e.g., Journal of Fluid Mechanics , Combustion and Flame ), with recent works on spray combustion dynamics, thermoacoustic optimization, and droplet evaporation diagnostics. Awards: Stanford Summer Program Fellowship (2012), AIAA Best Paper Award (2006) Teaching: Fluid mechanics, aerodynamics, and multidisciplinary project courses at École Centrale Paris.

Official University Profile

Semih ErgintavView profile

Professor

Bosphorus UniversityTurkey

Semih Ergintav is a Professor and Head of the Department of Geodesy at Boğaziçi University's Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute in Istanbul, Turkey. With a career spanning over three decades, he has established himself as a leading expert in geodesy and earthquake research, particularly focusing on the tectonically active regions of Turkey. PhD in Geophysical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 1994 MS in Geophysical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 1986 BS in Geophysical Engineering, Istanbul Technical University, 1984 Semih Ergintav's research focuses on Space Geodesy applications including GPS, InSAR, and PSInSAR techniques for monitoring crustal deformation. His work integrates geodetic and geophysical data to study active tectonics, earthquake seismology, and fault dynamics. He has made significant contributions to understanding deformation processes along the North Anatolian Fault system, particularly in the Marmara region where Istanbul is located. His research also encompasses gravity studies, remote sensing applications, and advanced digital data processing techniques for geophysical analysis. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong emphasis on using geodetic techniques to monitor strain accumulation in seismic gaps, particularly in the Marmara region near Istanbul. His work combines GPS measurements with InSAR data to precisely map crustal deformation patterns. A significant portion of his research focuses on postseismic deformation following major earthquakes like the 1999 Izmit and 2011 Van earthquakes, investigating processes such as afterslip and viscoelastic relaxation. His studies also examine aseismic creep along fault systems and its implications for seismic hazard assessment. Throughout his career, Ergintav has led numerous research projects including the European Plate Observing System, studies of active faults in Istanbul, and multi-disciplinary earthquake research in high-risk regions of Turkey. He has collaborated extensively with international researchers and institutions, contributing to our understanding of plate tectonics in the Eastern Mediterranean region. Professor Ergintav maintains active roles in several professional organizations including the European Geophysical Union, the Active Tectonics Research Group, and serves as Turkey's contact point for the International Supersite Project Group. His work continues to be instrumental in advancing earthquake hazard assessment and mitigation efforts in Turkey.

Official University Profile

Andrew ValentineView profile

Associate Professor

Durham UniversityUnited Kingdom

Dr Andrew Valentine is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University, a position he has held since 2023. Previously, he served as Assistant Professor at Durham (2021-2023), Fellow at the Research School of Earth Sciences at The Australian National University (2016-2021), and Postdoctoral Researcher at Utrecht University (2011-2016). He holds significant leadership roles including Director of Education for the Department of Earth Sciences (2025-present) and Secretary of the IUGG Commission on Mathematical Geophysics (2023-present). DPhil in Earth Sciences, University of Oxford (2006-2010), supervised by Prof. J.H. Woodhouse BA/MSci in Natural Sciences (Physics), University of Cambridge (2002-2006) Valentine's research focuses on mathematical and statistical tools for extracting information from observational data, with expertise in geophysical inverse theory, global seismology, and machine learning applications in Earth Sciences. His work bridges theoretical mathematics with practical geophysical problems, developing novel approaches to data analysis and interpretation. He has made significant contributions to probabilistic inversion methods, seismic tomography, and the application of deep learning to geoscience problems. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward integrating machine learning with traditional geophysical methods. His work spans from theoretical developments in Bayesian inference and optimal transport to practical applications in seismic modeling, mantle dynamics, and volcanic processes. A notable pattern is his focus on uncertainty quantification in geophysical models and the development of efficient computational frameworks for complex inverse problems. His research increasingly incorporates neural networks and other AI techniques to address longstanding challenges in Earth Sciences. Harold Jeffreys Lectureship, Royal Astronomical Society (2025) ARC DECRA Fellowship (2018-2021) Multiple Geophysical Journal International Outstanding Reviewer citations Geophysical Journal International Student Author Award (2010) Valentine has supervised numerous PhD students including Buse Turunçtur, Matthias Scheiter, Suzanne Atkins, Paul Käufl, and Ralph de Wit, with thesis topics spanning sparsity-constrained inversion, Monte Carlo methods, mantle convection patterns, and probabilistic source inversion. His supervision extends to current students Arijit Chakraborty, Charlotte Aulton, Hanna-Riia Allas, Isaac Abbott, and Ugurcan Cetiner. He has served on various editorial boards including as Editor for Geophysical Journal International (2020-2025) and has been involved in major collaborative projects through organizations like CIG. As Director of InLab since 2018, Valentine leads a research group focused on developing innovative computational approaches to geophysical problems. His team has produced influential open-source software like pyprop8 for seismic modeling and has pioneered applications of deep learning to problems ranging from glacial isostatic adjustment to volcanic glass properties. The group maintains strong international collaborations, particularly with researchers at The Australian National University where Valentine holds an Honorary Senior Lecturer position (2021-2025).

Official University Profile

Jakub SzulwicView profile

Assistant Professor

Gdańsk University of TechnologyPoland

Jakub Szulwic is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Geodesy, Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Gdańsk University of Technology. His work focuses on applying advanced geodetic and remote sensing technologies to solve complex problems in civil engineering, environmental monitoring, and cultural heritage preservation. Dr. Szulwic earned his doctoral degree in Geodesy and Cartography from the Faculty of Geodesy and Spatial Management at the University of Warmia and Mazury in Olsztyn in 2003. His academic journey has positioned him as a specialist in terrestrial laser scanning, photogrammetry, and geospatial data processing. Dr. Szulwic's research interests span across multiple domains of geospatial technology. His primary focus areas include geodesy , photogrammetry , remote sensing , lidar , terrestrial laser scanning , geoscience , civil engineering , geoinformatics , and geomatics . His work demonstrates how these technologies can be applied to diverse fields from structural engineering to environmental monitoring and agricultural technology. His publication record shows a consistent focus on practical applications of geospatial technologies. Recent work includes studies on HBIM (Historical Building Information Modeling), marine gravimetric measurements, light pollution monitoring, agricultural technology, and structural diagnostics. His research demonstrates a pattern of applying advanced scanning and imaging technologies to solve real-world problems across multiple domains including civil engineering, environmental science, and agriculture. Dr. Szulwic leads several significant research projects including PLAN-B (addressing light and noise pollution impacts on biodiversity), BalMarGrav (marine gravity mapping), SoURCE (utility risk/cost evaluation), and MarLS (3D laser scanning from vessels). These projects are funded by European programs including Horizon Europe, European Territorial Cooperation, European Space Agency, and European Regional Development Fund. He is actively involved in laboratory work and research teams focused on geodetic measurements, with particular expertise in laser scanning applications both on land and at sea. His work with the Department of Geodesy at Gdańsk Tech has established him as a key researcher in applying geospatial technologies to solve complex engineering and environmental challenges.

Official University Profile

Michael IrlacherView profile

Associate Professor

Johannes Kepler University LinzAustria

Michael Irlacher is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics at Johannes Kepler University Linz, where he has been tenured since October 2024. Previously, he served as a tenure-track Assistant Professor (2019-2024) and non-tenure-track Assistant Professor at the University of Munich (2014-2019). He maintains active research affiliations as a Research Affiliate at CESifo since November 2018 and as a Member of the Standing Field Committee in International Economics for the German Economics Association (VfS) since May 2022. His educational background includes a Habilitation (venia legendi) from Johannes Kepler University Linz with a thesis on Essays in International Trade and Spatial Economics , a PhD in Economics (summa cum laude) from the University of Munich with a dissertation on Essays on Multi-Product Firms and International Trade , and a Diplom (M.A.) in Economics from the University of Munich. Dr. Irlacher's research program focuses on international economics, particularly examining multiproduct firms, trade dynamics, and labor market implications. His work bridges theoretical modeling with empirical analysis of firm behavior in international markets. He has made significant contributions to understanding how mergers affect product scope of firms, how trade costs impact commodity substitution patterns, and how technology influences internationalization strategies. His research often employs spatial and structural econometric methods to analyze complex economic phenomena. His recent publications reveal a consistent focus on the intersection of firm heterogeneity and international trade, with particular attention to how multi-product firms navigate global markets. The research demonstrates sophisticated methodological approaches combining theoretical modeling with detailed empirical analysis of firm-level data, particularly from European contexts. His work has important policy implications for trade policy, competition policy, and understanding the distributional effects of globalization. At JKU Linz, Dr. Irlacher teaches International Economics courses and supervises bachelor theses. His teaching covers both theoretical foundations and empirical applications of international trade models, with particular emphasis on contemporary issues in global trade dynamics. He is actively involved in the academic community through seminar presentations, conference participation, and collaborations with researchers across Europe.

Official University Profile

Mourad BezzeghoudView profile

Professor

James Cook UniversityAustralia

Mourad Bezzeghoud holds the position of Full Professor in the Department of Physics within the School of Sciences and Technology at the University of Évora, Portugal. Additionally, he is an active researcher at the ICT/IIIFA (Institute of Earth Sciences / Institute of the Environment and Sustainability of the Alentejo), contributing to geophysical and environmental studies in the region. His primary research domain is Solid Earth Geophysics, with a focus on seismology and tectonics. Key areas include the analysis of crustal and lithospheric structures, seismic hazard assessment, and the study of stress fields along plate boundaries, particularly in the circum-Mediterranean and North Africa. His methodologies encompass seismic tomography, source mechanism inversion, and probabilistic modeling to understand earthquake dynamics and regional geological processes. Recent scholarly output (2024-2025) reveals a concentrated effort on significant seismic events in Portugal, Algeria, and Morocco, as well as the broader geophysical characterization of the Africa-Eurasia plate boundary. This work provides critical insights into earthquake source mechanisms and the evolution of tectonic stress in these seismically active zones. As a member of the ICT/IIIFA research group, Professor Bezzeghoud collaborates on interdisciplinary projects aimed at advancing Earth Sciences and environmental sustainability in the Alentejo region and internationally.

Official University Profile

Ivaylo RadevView profile

Assistant Professor

University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and GeodesyBulgaria

Chief Assistant Professor Ivaylo Radev serves at the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy (UACEG) within the Faculty of Geodesy, Department of Higher Geodesy. His academic career spans geodetic monitoring, crustal deformation analysis, and landslide process studies with active involvement in international research projects. His research focuses on geodynamic processes , particularly through GPS monitoring of crustal deformations and active fault analysis. Key areas include landslide monitoring in urban environments like Sofia's Botanical Garden, Krupnik-Kresna region geodynamics, and integration of gravimetric measurements with geodetic data. His methodological approach combines field measurements with finite element modeling for deformation analysis. Publications reveal a consistent research trajectory in geodetic monitoring techniques from 2004-2012, with emphasis on practical applications for natural hazard assessment. His work demonstrates strong collaboration with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and international partners through NATO-funded projects. As project manager for multiple geodynamic research initiatives including 'Complex Research of Modern Geodynamics in the Krupnik-Kresna Area' (2006) and 'Study of Modern Active Faults Through Geodetic Methods' (2012), he has contributed to regional seismic hazard understanding. His participation in the NATO Science for Peace project 'HEMUSNET' (2006-2011) highlights international research engagement. He maintains active teaching responsibilities with documented lecture courses and Teams-based educational platforms for geodetic instruction. His laboratory work centers on deformation monitoring systems within the Department of Higher Geodesy infrastructure.

Official University Profile

Naomi MurdochView profile

Researcher

Higher Institute of Aeronautics and SpaceFrance

Dr. Naomi Murdoch is a researcher at ISAE-SUPAERO where she leads work within the Space Systems for Planetary Applications (SSPA) team. She holds significant roles across multiple international space missions including NASA's InSight and Mars 2020 missions, the NASA DART mission, ESA's Hera mission, and the JAXA MMX mission to Phobos. With a first class MPhys in Astrophysics from the University of Edinburgh (2007) and a PhD in Physics and Planetary Sciences from the Open University and University of Nice-Sophia Antipolis/Côte d'Azur Observatory (2012), she brings extensive expertise to planetary science and space instrumentation. Dr. Murdoch's research focuses on understanding the physical properties and geophysical evolution of asteroids and terrestrial planets, with particular emphasis on how space instrumentation interacts with planetary surface environments. Her work spans planetary defense, Martian atmospheric studies, asteroid surface mechanics, and the development of novel space instrumentation. She has made significant contributions to the first sound recordings on Mars, studies of Martian atmospheric turbulence, and the groundbreaking DART mission that successfully demonstrated asteroid deflection technology. Her recent publications demonstrate expertise across multiple subfields including Martian meteorology, acoustic remote sensing, planetary defense technologies, and small body geophysics. Dr. Murdoch has served as Associate Editor for JGR: Planets since 2023 and actively mentors graduate students, having supervised at least two students to completion of their master's and PhD work. Her laboratory, the Space Systems for Planetary Applications team, focuses on preparing instrumentation for space missions and interpreting planetary data with precision. Associate Editor for JGR: Planets (2023) Principal Investigator for WheelCams instrument on MMX rover Key contributor to SuperCam microphone on Perseverance rover Leadership role in ESA Hera mission Member of NASA DART mission Investigation Team Dr. Murdoch actively supervises graduate students and collaborates with international teams across NASA, ESA, JAXA, CNES, and DLR missions. Her laboratory work focuses on understanding spacecraft-terrain interactions in low-gravity environments, developing novel instrumentation for planetary exploration, and analyzing data from current missions to advance our understanding of planetary bodies. She has contributed to numerous high-impact publications in journals including Nature, Nature Communications, and Geophysical Research Letters, with work that bridges engineering, physics, and planetary science.

Official University Profile

Antonio GenovaView profile

Associate Professor

Sapienza University of RomeItaly

Antonio Genova is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Sapienza University of Rome, where he has been working since 2019 (initially as Assistant Professor, promoted to Associate Professor in 2022). His expertise spans planetary geodesy, radio science, and spacecraft navigation, with significant contributions to multiple NASA and ESA missions including Europa Clipper, EnVision, BepiColombo, and JUICE. Dr. Genova received his PhD in Aerospace Engineering (2013) and Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering with honors (2009) from Sapienza University of Rome. Prior to his current position, he worked as a Research Scientist and Postdoctoral Associate at MIT's Department of Earth, Atmospheric and Planetary Sciences, with off-campus assignments at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. His research focuses on planetary interior structure determination through gravity field analysis, precise orbit determination techniques, and radio science investigations of planetary bodies. His work has significantly advanced our understanding of Mercury's interior structure (including evidence for a solid inner core), Mars' polar ice deposits, and the geophysical properties of icy moons like Europa and Enceladus. Dr. Genova has developed innovative methods for spacecraft navigation using sensor fusion of optical and radiometric data, and has made important contributions to understanding planetary atmospheres through radio occultation measurements. Dr. Genova's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on cutting-edge techniques in spacecraft navigation and planetary science. His work spans multiple planetary bodies including Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter's moons, and Saturn's moons. A significant portion of his recent research involves the analysis of data from current and upcoming missions like BepiColombo, EnVision, and Europa Clipper, with emphasis on gravity science, atmospheric studies, and interior structure characterization. Rita Levi Montalcini Award for Young Researchers by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR) (2018) Planetary Science (690) Division Peer Award at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (2017) Dr. Genova has supervised multiple graduate students, including 5 M.Sc. students and 1 Ph.D. student in 2020, and 2 M.Sc. students in 2019. He has served as Co-Investigator on numerous high-profile space missions including Europa Clipper, EnVision, BepiColombo, and JUICE. He was Principal Investigator for a NASA-funded project on 'Solar System Planetary Geodesy Research' (2017-2018) and has been a member of multiple NASA mission teams including GRAIL, LOLA, MRO, and MESSENGER. As Co-chair of the Geodesy and Geophysics Working Group for the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo mission, Dr. Genova plays a key role in Mercury exploration. He is also a member of ESA's Science Program Voyage 2050 Topical Team, contributing to the strategic planning of future European space science missions.

Official University Profile