Collective dynamics and pattern formation in systems of communicating cells: Theory and Simulations

How a system of genetically identical biological cells organizes into spatially heterogeneous tissues is a central question in biology. Even when the molecular and genetic underpinnings of cell-cell interactions are known, how these lead to multicellular patterns is often poorly understood. Of particular interest are dynamic patterns such as...

Hydropolitics and Conflict Management in Transboundary River Basins

This thesis set out to develop methodologies that promote cooperation, peace and development instead of conflict and violence in transboundary water resources management. In particular, its objectives were the following: o To examine and understand the complexity of water systems and water conflict management o To investigate factors affecting...

A designerly methodology for software development

This PhD researches the domain of industrial design engineering starting from the strong technological evolutions and changing economic, social and ecological needs. Our current products are not only build from hardware components, but are a complex mix of hardware, software and services (in different proportions). This complexity is needed to...

Connectivity-oriented urban projects

This thesis is about connections in the built environment, networked connections for the mobility of people at the smallest scale of the urban realm: the pedestrian scale. It deals with applications of the new science of networks as a tool for observation and assessment of connectivity in the urban space. It explores networks theoretically...