Leiden University Scholarly Publications

Chan, K.M.D. (2026)

Dissemination models: applications in epidemiology, rumour spreading, wealth distribution, and opinion formation

Doctoral Thesis

This thesis studies dissemination models across epidemiology, rumour spreading, wealth distribution, and opinion formation, with an emphasis on long-run behaviour and qualitative regimes. Across these settings, we ask when large-scale spread occurs, which long-run behaviours are possible (e.g., extinction, coexistence and oscillations), and how modelling assumptions, such as interaction structure, heterogeneity, and the definition of the diffusing quantity, shape key outcomes. We address these questions using a combination of dynamical-systems methods, matrix/spectral analysis, and Markov-process techniques, supported by numerical computations.

Mathematical epidemiology

Compartmental model

SIR model

Asymptotic behaviour

Stochastic dissemination model

Wealth distribution

Opinion dynamics

DeGroot model

All authors

Chan, K.M.D.

Supervisor

Mandjes, M.R.H.; Crommelin, D.T.

Co-supervisor

Duivenvoorden, R.

Committee

Bick, C.; Derks, G.L.A.; Flache, A.; Linder, I.D.; Rottschäfer, V.; Verbitskiy, E.A.

Qualification

Doctor (dr.)

Awarding Institution

Mathematical Institute (MI), Faculty of Science, Leiden University

Date

2026-09-16

Funding

Sponsorship

Transtrend B.V.