ProfessorEric Kerrigan

I develop numerical optimisation methods for model predictive control and for solving difficult problems involving differential equations and uncertainty. My research focuses on making these methods accurate, reliable and computationally efficient, with applications in aerospace, energy systems and information systems.

I am Professor of Control and Optimization at Imperial College London, with joint appointments in Electrical and Electronic Engineering and Aeronautics. My main area of expertise is model predictive control: using predictions of a system's behaviour to choose its next action.

PhD studies

If you enjoy mathematical problems and want to turn ideas into working algorithms, my research may be a good fit. I am particularly interested in PhD projects on numerical methods for predictive control and dynamic optimisation. Projects can be tailored to our mutual interests, including questions motivated by engineering applications.

I have supervised more than 30 PhD students and postdoctoral research associates. Nine former staff and students now hold academic faculty positions.

To discuss a possible PhD, email me with your CV, academic transcript, and a brief personal statement explaining your research interests and why you would like to work with me. Because I receive many PhD enquiries, I can only reply to candidates I believe have a strong chance of acceptance.

Working with industry

I welcome enquiries about research collaboration and consultancy on control and optimisation problems involving nonlinear dynamics, uncertainty, demanding constraints or limited computing resources. Current collaborators on my research grants include SLB, Flylogix, and Andrew Moore and Associates. Other partners and supporters have included Siemens Corporate Technology, EADS Innovation Works, The MathWorks, and the European Space Agency.

A useful starting point is a short description of your system, the problem you want to solve, and the constraints that make it difficult. Please email me to discuss whether my expertise is a good match. For numerical optimal control software, see ICLOCS.

Background

I obtained my PhD in Control Engineering from the University of Cambridge and my Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town. My research has been supported by EPSRC, the European Commission, the Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Royal Society. I serve on the IFAC Council and have held editorial roles with IEEE Transactions on Control Systems Technology, IEEE Transactions on Automatic Control, and Control Engineering Practice.