Christian Hirt

Christian Hirt is a Senior Research Fellow at Curtin University, Australia, and a Hans Fischer Fellow at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). His academic career includes roles as an Associate Professor at HafenCity University Hamburg and professional contributions at the University of Hanover. He specializes in geodesy, gravity field modeling for Earth, Moon, and Mars, and geodetic astronomy. Hirt has developed advanced systems like the Digital Zenith Camera and contributed to regional geoid models for Australia and New Zealand. His research also addresses atmospheric refraction and high-resolution gravity field analysis using satellite data like GOCE. Notable achievements include attracting $1.25M AUD in research funding and leading an ARC Discovery Project on GOCE satellite gravimetry. Awards include the ARC Discovery Outstanding Researcher Award (2011) and the Victor-Rizkallah Award (2001).

Research focuses on gravity field modeling, including planetary topography effects, spectral forward modeling, and validation of global gravity models. Hirt’s work bridges geodetic instrumentation (e.g., QDaedalus systems) with theoretical advancements in forward modeling techniques. His publications span planetary gravity models (Mars, Moon), geoid-quasigeoid corrections, and high-resolution terrain analysis. Grants include a $450K ARC Discovery Project on GOCE applications in Australia.

Awards and recognitions highlight his contributions to geodesy and planetary science. His labs and instruments, such as the QDaedalus system, enable precise vertical deflection measurements in challenging terrains. Collaborations include global geoid validation networks and digital elevation model services (IDEMS).