The chapters of this book have been presented at the 1st Workshop of the Nonlinear Control Network*, which was held in Ghent, March 15,16, 1999. These contributions give an overview of some of the current and emerging trends in nonlinear systems and control theory. As editors of this book we would very much like to thank the speakers at this workshop for their sti- lating presentations and for their efforts to bring this material to its current form, which we are sure will provide stimulating reading as well. Dirk Aeyels Franchise Lamnabhi-Lagarrigue Arjan J. van der Schaft 'The Nonlinear...