Hans Suenkel

Hans Suenkel is a distinguished Austrian academic and Full Professor for Mathematical and Numerical Geodesy at Graz University of Technology (TU Graz) since 1983. He has held numerous leadership roles, including Rector of TU Graz (2003–2007, 2007–2011) and President of Universities Austria (2010–2011). His work spans mathematical geodesy, satellite gravity field determination, and geodynamics, with a focus on ESA's GOCE mission and geodetic modeling.

• Education: Dipl.-Ing. (1973), PhD in Technical Sciences (1976) from TU Graz; Habilitation in Numerical Geodesy (1981).
• Research: Pioneered satellite geodesy, gravity field modeling, and geodynamic simulations. Notable work includes GOCE mission data processing and Austrian geoid determination.
• Awards: Wilhelm-Exner Medal (2003), Grand Josef Krainer Prize (2010), and Fellow of multiple international academies.
• Leadership: Head of TU Graz's Institute of Theoretical Geodesy (1987–1998), Managing Director of the Space Research Institute (2001–2004), and organizer of major symposia like the 20th IUGG General Assembly (1991).