Florian Seitz

Prof. Dr. Florian Seitz is Full Professor of Geodetic Geodynamics at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) and Director of the German Geodetic Research Institute (DGFI-TUM). His research focuses on satellite geodesy applications for Earth system monitoring, with particular expertise in geodetic reference frames, sea level changes, and ocean dynamics. He leads international efforts in Earth observation through multiple space agency collaborations.

Seitz earned his doctorate at TUM in 2004 with research on atmospheric and oceanic influences on Earth rotation, completed his Habilitation in 2011 on 'Geodetic Contributions to Earth System Research,' and served as junior professor of Earth Oriented Space Science and Technology (ESPACE) from 2007-2012. His career includes a research fellowship at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in 2006.

His primary research interests encompass the exploration of dynamic processes in the Earth system using satellite geodesy, with specific focus on realizing global and regional geodetic reference systems, studying geodynamics, and analyzing sea level changes and ocean currents through satellite altimetry. His work bridges geodesy, oceanography, and climate science to understand Earth system interactions.

Analysis of Seitz's recent publications reveals strong emphasis on satellite altimetry applications across three main domains: Arctic ocean monitoring (particularly Chukchi Sea circulation), coastal sea level variability (including vertical land motion effects), and river discharge estimation (using innovative DAHITI database approach). His research demonstrates consistent advancement in processing techniques for challenging environments like sea ice zones and coastal regions.

• Chair of ESA Genesis ITRF and Combination of Techniques Working Group (2024-present)
• Immediate Past President of IAU Commission A2 on Rotation of the Earth (2021-2024)
• President of IAU Commission A2 on Rotation of the Earth (2018-2021)
• Deputy Speaker of Forschungsgruppe Satellitengeodäsie (2016-present)
• Chair of TUM Examination Board Geodesy (2018-present)

As Director of DGFI-TUM, Seitz oversees a major institution contributing to international reference systems. His team develops advanced algorithms for satellite data processing, maintains the DAHITI database for global river monitoring, and contributes to the DTRF series of terrestrial reference frames. Current research priorities include improving Arctic ocean monitoring with new satellite missions (SWOT, Sentinel-6), developing better coastal sea level models, and advancing techniques for measuring river discharge in ungauged basins.