You are invited to attend the public defense of Maarten de Jong entitled:
‘Modelling, Analysis and Optimal Control of Ecological and Biological Systems’
Time and location
Date: Tuesday, 15 September 2026
Time: 10.00h
Location: Aula, Delft Campus (Mekelweg5, Delft)
Abstract
This dissertation contributes to the intersection of biological and ecological modelling on the one hand, and systems and control theory on the other. It examines domain-specific problems from the biomedical and agricultural sectors through a dynamic systems and control perspective. In each case study, we develop or adopt a mathematical model to describe the system dynamics and incorporate suitable control inputs. After analysing these models to establish key properties such as positivity, boundedness, and realistic asymptotic behaviour, we formulate practical management problems ranging from antiviral treatment planning to agricultural scheduling as optimal control problems. These formulations jointly capture economic objectives and the biological or ecological responses to inputs. Collectively, these contributions demonstrate how systems and control theory can provide new analytical insights, theoretical guarantees, and flexible optimisation strategies for biological and ecological management, offering advanced solutions that go beyond conventional steady-state and myopic approaches.