A parallel control strategy is developed for process applications by "reverse engineering" the functions of the baroreceptor reflex-the biological control system that regulates arterial blood pressure. The specific control architecture and algorithm employed by the reflex are analyzed from a process control perspective. A parallel control structure for process applications is then developed by reparameterizing the controllers in the biologically derived architecture. The resulting structure allows independent design of the parallel controllers via H-2-optimal control theory. The parallel control technique is applicable to single-input processes for which two types of output measurements are available : (i) a primary measurement of the controlled output whose dynamic response to input changes is unfavorable (e.g. delayed); and (ii) a secondary measurement of a different output whose dynamic response is more favorable (e.g. undelayed). The parallel control system uses the primary and secondary outputs in a coordinated fashion in order to provide high performance disturbance rejection. Compared to conventional cascade control, the parallel control strategy provides improved stability and robustness characteristics. Two simulation examples demonstrate the superior performance and failure tolerance that can be achieved with the parallel control strategy compared to cascade control and single-input, single-output control techniques.