Dr. Boris Wembe is a senior researcher at Paderborn University, Germany, specializing in optimal control theory and its diverse applications in quantum systems, geometric control, partial differential equations (PDEs), and machine learning. His research integrates analytical rigor with computational innovation, focusing on topics such as quantum optimal control, turnpike theory, and structure-preserving numerical methods. He earned his Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from the University Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier, where he worked on geometric and numerical methods for optimal control and Zermelo navigation problems. Prior to his doctoral studies, he completed a master’s degree in Partial Differential Equations and a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from the University of Yaoundé I, Cameroon. Dr. Wembe’s research achievements include developing efficient higher-order numerical algorithms for quantum control using the Cayley transform, advancing the theoretical understanding of the turnpike property in control systems, and exploring the geometric and numerical aspects of Zermelo navigation problems within Finsler geometry. His works have been published in leading journals such as Physical Review Research, Mathematical Control, Signals, and Systems, and ESAIM: Control, Optimisation and Calculus of Variations. He is actively involved in mentoring master’s and bachelor’s students and has organized seminars and symposia promoting the intersection of optimal control and machine learning. Beyond academia, he is committed to promoting mathematical sciences among students through outreach initiatives and lectures across Europe and Africa. Dr. Wembe’s contributions have been recognized with fellowships, including one at SISSA (Italy), and grants such as the SMAI “BOUM-projects” for young researchers. His ongoing projects include studies on “Trim turnpikes for discrete optimal control problems with symmetries” under review by DFG. Fluent in multiple languages and skilled in computational tools like Python, Matlab, and Julia, Dr. Wembe represents a dynamic blend of theoretical insight, computational expertise, and educational leadership in applied mathematics.

Profile: Google Scholar

Featured Publications 

Wembe, B., Bonnard, B., & Cots, O. (2021). A Zermelo navigation problem with a vortex singularity. ESAIM: Control, Optimisation and Calculus of Variations, 27, S10.

Bonnard, B., Cots, O., Gergaud, J., & Wembe, B. (2022). Abnormal geodesics in 2D-Zermelo navigation problems in the case of revolution and the fan shape of the small time balls. Systems & Control Letters, 161, 105140.

Bonnard, B., Rouot, J., & Wembe, B. (2022). Accessibility properties of abnormal geodesics in optimal control illustrated by two case studies. arXiv preprint arXiv:2202.11545.

Balsa, C., Cots, O., Gergaud, J., & Wembe, B. (2020). Minimum energy control of passive tracers advection in point vortices flow. In APCA International Conference on Automatic Control and Soft Computing (pp. 232–242).

Cots, O., Gergaud, J., Goubinat, D., & Wembe, B. (2023). Singular versus boundary arcs for aircraft trajectory optimization in climbing phase. ESAIM: Mathematical Modelling and Numerical Analysis, 57(2), 817–839.

Bonnard, B., Cots, O., & Wembe, B. (2023). Zermelo navigation problems on surfaces of revolution and geometric optimal control. ESAIM: Control, Optimisation and Calculus of Variations, 29, 60.