William Heath

William Heath is Chair of Feedback and Control in the Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering at the University of Manchester. He holds a BA in Mathematics from Cambridge University (1987), an MSc in Systems and Control, and a PhD from UMIST (1992).

His research balances classical control theory with digital implementation for nonlinear control problems, specializing in actuator nonlinearities (saturation, hysteresis) and multiplier theory. Recent breakthroughs include generalizations of Zames-Falb multipliers and discoveries regarding discrete-time Kalman conjecture counter-examples. Applications span nanopositioning, engine controls, robotics, and process automation.

Professor Heath has supervised numerous PhD students to completion who now hold academic positions globally. Current projects involve applying control techniques to industrial robotics and energy systems.