Dear DISC members and students,
For many of you, summer holidays have already started or will start soon. To provide you with some latest information on systems and control, we send you this summer edition of the DISC Newsletter.
We are happy to inform you that the DISC course program for 2026-2027 is ready and that we have succeeded in adding some new courses as well! You can find the full schedule of our program on the DISC website and in this Newsletter. The DISC Course Platform, our digital learning environment, will be modernized and further developed with new tools for both participants of the DISC courses, the lecturers and the DISC office. This will take place in Autumn 2026. Further information will follow in the course of next academic year. Please keep an eye on this newsletter. Course Platform will remain open during this ”work in progress”.
In September, the website from the Benelux Meeting 2027 will be launched. The Benelux Meeting will be held from 23-25 March 2027 in Hotel Zuiderduin, Egmond aan Zee (NL). We hope to meet you all there!
In this Newsletter you can find a new item ‘News, opinions, articles’ which hopefully is of your interest too.
In case you have any information in the field of systems and control which you would like to share, please contact the DISC office: secr-disc-me@tudelft.nl
Wishing you all very happy summer holidays!
Best regards,
Bayu Jayawardhana and Maaike Kraeger-Holland
Professor Bayu Jayawardhana of the University of Groningen (UG) has received the Ganesa Widya Jasa Adiutama award, the highest recognition of Institut Teknologi Bandung (ITB) in Indonesia. The distinction recognises his contributions to science and technology and his role in strengthening the relationship between the UG and ITB. As Jayawardhana was unable to attend the ceremony in person, the award was accepted on his behalf by family members.
See also: https://www.rug.nl/fse/news/awards-and-grants/ganesha-widya-jasa-adiutama-bayu
_____________________
ENTEG supported University of the North student team that wins Self Driving Challenge 2026
On 16 June 2026, the University of the North student team, comprising students from the University of Groningen, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, and Noorderpoort, won the RDW Self Driving Challenge. Their self-driving car navigated a complex course with obstacles like traffic lights and pedestrian crossings, demonstrating both speed and precision.
Key role for ENTEG researchers
The victory was made possible in part by the intensive guidance of two ENTEG principal investigators, Saeed Ahmed and Bayu Jayawardhana, who played a pivotal role in the team’s technical and strategic preparation.
Dear PhD students,
If you meet the requirements for the DISC certificate (DISC certificate – DISC), you can send your request for a DISC certificate to the DISC office (secr-disc-me@tudelft.nl). Please indicate if you wish to receive the DISC certificate and grading list by post (in that case please add your postal address), or if you wish to wait till the next edition of the Benelux meeting to have your certificate presented then by Bayu Jayawardhana.
As the certificate and grading list have to be signed by Bayu Jayawardhana first, it may take some time before the certificate is ready.
Thank you.
We are happy to share the new DISC course program 2026-2027 with you: DISC 2026-2027_course schedule
As you can see in the course schedule, some new courses have been added to our program.
Registrations will be possible as from September 2026 till about a week before the course starts.
Save the date: the 46th Benelux Meeting 2027 will take place from 23-25 March 2027 at Hotel Zuiderduin, Egmond aan Zee (NL). The Benelux Meeting 2027 website will be launched in September!
Thank you for saving this date in your agenda!
As members of the SOCN community, you are cordially invited to the SOCN Study Day that will take place in Namur on Monday 7 September 2026.
A preliminary program is available, featuring plenary talks by Dana Copot (UGent), Emanuele Garone (ULB), and Nicolas Gillis (UMons), as well as several interactive activities.
Please register as soon as possible, and by 7 August at the latest. In the registration form, you will get to indicate if you would like to contribute with a poster and/or a talk. Registration is free but mandatory.
We look forward to seeing you there.
Best regards,
PA Absil
You can now register to the following course of the Graduate School in Systems, Optimization, Control and Networks (SOCN).
The course will start on October 27, 2026
Title: Introduction to analysis and control of infinite-dimensional systems
Lecturer: Anthony Hastir (Department of Mathematics and NaXys, University of Namur)
Dates: October 27, 28, 29, 2026
The course will take place at UNamur (University of Namur)
Registration is open via our On-line form
Name: Martina Vanelli
Start date: 1 June 2026
Job title: Assistant Professor
E-mail: m.vanelli@rug.nl
University and Department/Group: University of Groningen, ENTEG, SMS group
Introduction:
Hi all, my name is Martina Vanelli and I have recently joined the SMS group in ENTEG as Assistant Professor on June 1st. I received the B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. degrees in Applied Mathematics from Politecnico di Torino, Italy, in 2017, 2019, and 2024, respectively. After my PhD, I spent two years in Belgium as a postdoctoral fellow at the Mathematical Engineering department of the ICTEAM Institute at UCLouvain, Belgium. My research focuses on the modeling, design and control of multi-agent and network systems, primarily with applications to electricity markets and social and economic networks.
Name: Teun Wijfjes
Start date: 1 April 2026
Job title: PhD Student
E-mail: t.wijfjes@tue.nl
University and Department/Group: TU/e, CST section
Supervisor(s): Tom Oomen & Koen Tiels
Project: TUE 25PPS010 N-HIPO
Name: Yuke Huang
Start date: 15 April 2026
Job title: PhD Student
E-mail: y.huang6@tue.nl
University and Department/Group: TU/e, CST section
Supervisor(s): Paula Chanfreut Palacio & Maurice Heemels
Project: Dynamic Home Energy Management for a Sustainable Future
Name: Jiahang Zhou
Start date: 1 May2026
Job title: PhD Student
E-mail: j.zhou1@tue.nl
University and Department/Group: TU/e, CST section
Supervisor(s): Michel Reniers & Martijn Goorden
Name: Lammert Wiersma
Start date: 1 April 2026
Job title: Researcher
E-mail: l.r.wiersma@utwente.nl
University and Department/Group: University of Twente, MS3/Control and Mechatronics
Supervisor(s): Wouter Hakvoort
Project: System identification and real-time parameter estimation
Introduction:
Hello everyone, my name is Lammert Wiersma. In April, I started working as a researcher at the University of Twente. I studied theoretical physics and philosophy of natural science at the University of Groningen.
After my studies, I worked for several years as a consultant for (semi-)governmental organizations and as a product developer. One of the products I worked on was an MPC-based thermostat for optimal control of hybrid heat systems, combining heat pumps and gas-fired boilers.
After eight years in industry, I return to academia. I am excited about this opportunity to learn much more about systems and control, contribute to the field, and turn theoretical insights into usable algorithms. My research focuses on parameter estimation in LTV systems.
In my free time, I enjoy building things, reading, and playing the piano.
Name: Johanna Probst
Start date: 1 July 2026
Job title: PhD
E-mail: j.s.probst@tudelft.nl
University and Department/Group: TU Delft, Learning & Autonomous Control
Supervisor: Cosimo Della Santina
Introduction: Hi, my name is Johanna and I’ll be starting as a PhD candidate in Cosimo’s group, working on model-based control of soft robots. Prior to this, I worked as a field control engineer in the offshore industry. Outside of work, I enjoy various sports: yoga, cycling, and swimming, and getting creative through knitting, sewing, and painting. Looking forward to meeting everyone, and I’m always open for a coffee chat!
Name: Kousheek Chakraborty
Start date: 1 April 2026
Job title: PhD
E-mail: k.chakraborty@rug.nl
University and Department/Group: RUG, DTPA
Supervisors: Bayu Jayawardhana, Abeje Yenehun Mersha, Saeed Ahmed
Project: Learning-Based Control for Collaborative Aerial Swarms Using Onboard Intelligence
Name: Burak Yücel
Start date: 1 July 2026
Job title: PhD
E-mail: b.yucel@rug.nl
University and Department/Group: RUG, DTPA
Supervisors: Prof Ming Cao and Prof Bayu Jayawardhana
Project: Robust and safe control of remotely operated offshore vehicles
Introduction:
Burak Yücel joined the Discrete Technology and Production Automation (DTPA) group at the University of Groningen as an employed PhD candidate in July 2026, under the supervision of Prof. Ming Cao. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Hacettepe University and a Master of Science in Avionics Engineering from Yildiz Technical University.
Prior to joining RUG, Burak gained extensive industry experience as an Embedded Software Engineer in the defense and aerospace sectors, working at TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) and ASELSAN. His professional expertise spans real-time embedded systems, multi-core RTOS development, low-level firmware, and avionic communication protocols. His master’s thesis focused on ‘Cooperative Simultaneous Strike by a Swarm of Missiles into a Polytopic Region’, where he developed decentralized formation control and guidance frameworks validated through high-fidelity dynamics.
Name: Rima Fitria Adiati
Start date: 1 August 2026
Job title: PhD
University and Department/Group: RUG, DTPA
Supervisors: Prof Monica Acuautla Meneses, Prof Francesco Picchioni
Project: Cellulose-based Organic Piezo-Phototronic Sensor for Smart Agriculture
Introduction:
Rima F. Adiati is a Lecturer and Researcher in the Applied Physics Division, Faculty of Science, at IPB University, Indonesia. Rima holds a master’s degree in Engineering Physics from ITS in the field of photonics engineering. Rima’s previous research projects are related to optics, photonics, and material engineering, particularly the utilization of oil palm waste (OPEFB) for functional sensor applications, as well as the design of optical fiber sensors and communication networks. Her upcoming PhD research at the University of Groningen is titled ‘Cellulose-based Piezo-phototronic Sensor for Smart Agriculture’.
Name: Wimer Leijendekker
Start date: 1 June 2026
Job title: Research Engineer
E-mail: w.h.leijendekker@tudelft.nl
University and Department/Group: TU Delft, Cognitive Robotics, Learning and Autonomous Control
Supervisor: Laura Ferranti
Introduction:
Hi all! My name is Wimer Leijendekker and past February I graduated from my Msc Robotics here at CoR on learning based methods for motion planning. In my free time I like to try out different sports and go on sailing or hiking trips. A month ago, I have gotten the great opportunity to work on a robotics implementation project in collaboration with the Dutch Police (and your former colleague Dennis Benders) under supervision of Laura Ferranti. Feel free to reach out to me and say hi if you see me walk around the corridors!
Name: Daniel Escobar
Start date: 16-06-2026
Job title: Project Development Officer
E-mail: d.escobar.valdivieso@tue.nl
University and Department/Group: TU/e, DSD
Supervisor(s): –
Introduction:
My name is Daniel Escobar Valdivieso. I am originally from Mexico, but I now have Dutch nationality as well. My core background is in Electronics and Automation. I studied for my BSc and MSc at Tecnologico de Monterrey in Mexico, and I also have some industrial automation experience from Mexico.
In 2015, I graduated from the PDEng programme in Automotive Systems Design from TU/e in collaboration with TNO Automotive, specifically in Powertrains technology. I continued to work for TNO for another three years until I moved to Punch Powertrains. I worked in the Dual Clutch Transmission R&D team for Punch Powertrains for another three years.
I started my own company in 2021, together with a former colleague from TNO, focusing on aquatic robotics for environmental purposes. In 2023, I started a part-time position as the manager of the Digital Twin Lab from EAISI at TU/e. In 2024, I also took on the direction of the ASD/MSD EngD programme from MCS while maintaining my DTLab role. I stopped my activities with my company in 2024, although the company continues under the control of my former business partner.
This June 2026, I started my new PDO role within DSD on a part-time basis. In September 2026, my PDO role in DSD will become full-time.
Throughout my career, I have held several R&D engineering positions, team leading roles, and management positions, in addition to experience as a market researcher and in partnership creation. If I were to summarise my technical skills, they concentrate on embedded systems, modelling, system engineering, system integration, and verification and validation.
I am happily married, and I am a proud parent of a three-year-old girl. My hobbies include music composition and production, live performances, Latin dances, and marathon running.
I look forward to collaborating with all of you.
Name: Michiel Collignon
Start date: 10-08-2026
Job title: PhD Student
E-mail: tbd
University and Department/Group: TU/e, CST section
Supervisor(s): Ron de Bruijn
Project: Inerters for high-tech mechatronic systems
Introduction:
I’m Michiel and I’ll soon start my PhD research within CST. I completed my master thesis on the mechatronic design of a sensor alignment system in the design for precision engineering group. In the coming four years I’ll look into the application of inerters (a damper-like device that acts on acceleration rather than velocity) in high-tech motion systems. Outside of all that I enjoy volleyball and making music. Looking forward to getting started!
Name: Edisa Shoshi
Start date: 15-08-2026
Job title: PhD Student
E-mail: tbd
University and Department/Group: TU/e, CST section
Supervisor(s): Tom Oomen
Project: Treasury
Name: Gert Vankan
Start date: 01-09-2026
Job title: PhD Student
E-mail: tbd
University and Department/Group: TU/e, CST section
Supervisor(s): Tom Oomen
Project: nxtgen project Icare
Introduction:
Dear all, I’d like to briefly introduce myself: my name is Gert Vankan, and starting September 1st, I’ll be starting my PhD at CST, supervised by Thijs van Keulen and Tom Oomen. I completed my bachelor’s in applied physics, and master’s in Systems & Control at TU/e, where my graduation research focused on data-driven predictive control.
Now I am ready for a new challenge: my research will focus on multi-rate- and discrete control methods for ASML and Prodrive.
In my free time, I’m mostly occupied with music: whether that’s producing, playing piano, or building- and repairing electric guitars. I’ve also recently picked up bouldering as a new hobby.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all soon and getting started together, and if anyone’s up for a bouldering session at Monk sometime, feel free to let me know! 🧗
Candidate: Hailong Chen
University and Department/Group: RUG, SMS, ENTEG
Thesis title: Data-driven control of complex systems
Promotor: Claudio De Persis, Nima Monshizadeh, Pietro Tesi
Date: 20 October 2026
Location: Aula, Academy Building, Broerstraat 5 Groningen
Time: 11 a.m.
Candidate: Jilles van Hulst
University and Department/Group: TU/e, CST section
Thesis title: Learning-Based Calibration, Estimation and Stage Control for Electron Microscopy
Promotors: Maurice Heemels & Duarte Antunes
Date: 03-09-2026
Location: Atlas, 0.710
Time: 11:00h
The DISC office is closed in August 2026. In July the DISC office will be opened irregularly.
We wish you all pleasant summer holidays!
Independent news platform TU Delft
Weekly updates | 24 June 2026
Parisa Ghanoni Bostanabad believes that accountability should be part of the criteria for earning a doctoral degree. Behaviour the beginning of an academic career often shapes the culture.
Accountability in action – Delta
Karin van Nispen, Coordinator of the TU Delft Writing Centre, sees that a lot of PhD students see writing up their work as closure. She is running a campaign to promote free writing support for PhD candidates and their doctoral degree supervisors.
Writing teacher: ‘PhD, do not wait till the last minute to write your thesis’ – Delta
