The analysis of large-scale networked systems is a challenging task from both an analytic and a computational perspective. In this talk I will present some approaches to analysing particle models that are based on robust control theory that go beyond consensus/synchronization problems. Particular attention will be paid to decentralised methods that take into account the structure of the network under study in order to maintain tractability (at the cost of optimality) as the state-dimension increases. The core technical tools that will be used are Lyapunov theory and Semi-Definite Programming, both of which I will briefly review. The methods will be illustrated through  biologically inspired numerical examples. No prior knowledge of control theory will be assumed.