ii

PREFACE

preaching automation, inspiring me, and for having fun along the way. I am
grateful to my LIIR colleagues at KU Leuven, particularly the folks from office
4.34 for the many interesting discussions and whiteboard sessions, whenever I
occasionally popped into the office.
I was fortunate to travel to many places during my PhD (Lausanne, Lisbon,
Barcelona, San Jose, Paris, Waikoloa), and I have met many people along the
way. My DUDEs, you have been the trigger to complete my PhD, reinvigorating
my passion for research and inspiring me for my future career. How crazy is it
that we conceived the seeds of the DUDE
project in a pirates bar, on a
hotel rooftop, and from a hospital bed after my back surgery?
Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends for their support and
encouragement throughout this journey. My parents, Peter en Nadine, you
have showed me that hard work pays off, and merci for the many sacrifices you
have made to give me the best possible education and life. Marijke, you are
the love of my life, and although I am not religious, you are my goddess, de
mammiej. Feliz, when you came into our lives, you added an extra dimension.
I used to see in 2D, now I see in 3D. Forever your father, your pappiej. Wes en
Jen, thanks for showing me to never give up, keep on pushing, even when you
are at your lowest, there is a way out, and only hard work will get you there.
Cornbois -Bryan, Emile, (even) Jan, for our friendship, I fail to make an
exhaustive definition. I wish for many more years of friendship from my likeminded brothers. John, Teunen, Wannes, if there is ever a zombie apocalypse, I
know that I can count on you to have my window. Kessel-city - Poohke, Vinny,
Kweinch etc., thanks for keeping on pushing the bar higher, and inspiring me
with your ambition and drive. Gustaf, thanks for the many laughs (#velleke)
and the much-needed distraction. Elstipoes, you are my oldest friend, and I am
grateful for the many years of friendship. Woutje, thanks for your contagious
optimism and the mancave during university. Leuvenbende, you were the
ones that made university fun and enjoyable. Individually and together you are
beautiful people, and I cherish our yearly reunions. Lauren en Yannick, thanks
for letting me win at Mario Kart. I might be forgetting some people, but I
would like to thank all my friends for bringing joy, for keeping me grounded,
and for reminding me that there is more to life than work.
Having studied literature in my Bachelor’s, it feels appropriate to finish with a
quote wrongly attributed to Ernest Hemingway: “Write drunk; edit sober.”
Jordy Van Landeghem
Gurdo, Pogomeister, Jorre, De Van Laaandeghem
February, 2024
Kessel, Belgium