The project “Mathematical and Computational Aspects of Potential Field Modelling of Finite Distributions” fostered a productive exchange of scientific expertise and knowledge transfer between the Department of Engineering Sciences at the University of Agder (UiA) and the Department of Geodesy and Surveying at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh). It was funded under the Bilateral Relations Fund of the European Economic Area (EEA Grants).
The primary goal was to strengthen collaboration between the two institutions and pave the way for future partnerships between Greece and Norway. The project focused on the theoretical and computational aspects of potential field modelling, a topic that bridges multiple disciplines, including science and engineering, multibody dynamics, and gravity field modelling. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the project generated innovative research ideas and established a dynamic network for future cooperation.
A total of four mutual visits took place between the participating institutions:
- Two visits by AUTh researchers to UiA’s Grimstad campus,
- One visit by UiA researchers to AUTh in Thessaloniki,
- One virtual meeting held via videoconference.
During the in-person visits, a series of workshops and seminarswas organized, attracting over 40 faculty members, undergraduate and graduate students from Physics, Mechanical Engineering, and Surveying Engineering at both universities. These events aimed to promote the project and disseminate research activities among participants.
The collaboration led to the preparation of two joint scientific manuscripts:
- A degree-wise comparison of analytical and numerical solutions, applied to specific asteroid shape models.
- A review of potential field modelling’s multidisciplinary applications, covering geodesy, geophysics, and astronomy.
To ensure visibility and accessibility of the project’s outcomes, a dedicated website was created, featuring details of project activities, scientific results, and a schedule of workshops and seminars.
