Dr. Bart Root is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Space Engineering at the Faculty of Aerospace Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Netherlands. He holds a PhD in gravity field modelling of the upper mantle of Northwestern Europe and an MSc in orbit determination of the CryoSat-2 satellite, both from TU Delft.
His research focuses on planetary gravity modelling, satellite geodesy, and the development of innovative tools for understanding planetary interiors. Root is the principal investigator of several international projects, including the NWO-GO Mars Reveal project and ESA’s 4D Dynamic Earth initiative. He is also scientific lead on the Mars quantum gravimetry concept (MaQuIS), pushing the boundaries of planetary exploration.
He has authored impactful publications on gravity field modelling, lithospheric density structures, and Martian geodynamics, and developed widely used software like the GSH MATLAB package for global spherical harmonic analysis. Root is an active member of the geophysical community, serving on program committees, mentoring students, and promoting outreach through EGU blogs and educational projects.
As lab manager of TU Delft’s Satellite Communication and Orbital Mechanics Laboratory, he oversees cutting-edge infrastructure for space navigation and observation. He has supervised over numerous MSc and PhD students and received awards for innovative teaching. His outreach includes historical science projects and public lectures, reinforcing his commitment to science communication and education.
