معرفی
Arjen Doelman is a Professor of Applied Analysis at the Mathematical Institute of Leiden University, where he has been employed since February 2009. He previously served as director of the Lorentz Center from November 2009 until September 2023, after which he returned to a full-time research and teaching position at the Mathematical Institute. His academic career includes professorships at the University of Amsterdam (1998-2009) and research positions at CWI (Center for Mathematics and Computer Science) where he headed the Modelling, Analysis and Simulation cluster (2007-2009).
Doelman's research focuses on nonlinear dynamical systems, pattern formation, and singular perturbation theory, with applications spanning ecology, oceanography, geophysics, chemistry, and biology. His work has increasingly concentrated on understanding tipping points in ecosystems, culminating in the ERC Synergy project RESILIENCE in 2023. He employs mathematical analysis of reaction-diffusion systems to study how spatial patterns can prevent or trigger critical transitions in ecological systems.
His recent publications demonstrate a consistent focus on pattern formation in ecological contexts, particularly examining how vegetation patterns influence ecosystem resilience to environmental change. The research spans theoretical mathematical analysis of reaction-diffusion equations while maintaining strong connections to real-world ecological phenomena, especially in dryland ecosystems. Doelman's work bridges fundamental mathematics with pressing environmental questions about climate change impacts on ecosystems.
- ERC Synergy Grant (RESILIENCE project, 2023)
- Editor-in-Chief of Physica D (2006-2012)
- Contributor to NWO Complexity Program
Doelman has supervised over 30 PhD students throughout his career, including notable researchers such as Robbin Bastiaansen, Eric Siero, and Koen Siteur. His research has been supported by multiple grants, most significantly the €10 million ERC Synergy Grant awarded in 2022 for the RESILIENCE project investigating environmental tipping points. He collaborates extensively with ecologists, particularly Max Rietkerk at Utrecht University, bridging the gap between mathematical theory and ecological applications.
Doelman is a key member of the Analysis and Dynamical Systems research group at Leiden University's Mathematical Institute and has been involved with the Nonlinear Dynamics of Natural Systems+ (NDNS+) research network. His work connects mathematical analysis with ecological modeling, creating a productive interdisciplinary environment that brings together mathematicians, ecologists, and environmental scientists to address fundamental questions about ecosystem resilience and pattern formation.
