Kevin Sim

Dr. Kevin Sim is a Lecturer at the School of Computing Engineering and the Built Environment, Edinburgh Napier University, with research interests spanning machine learning, biologically inspired computing, hyper-heuristics, and combinatorial optimization. His work focuses on developing advanced algorithm selection techniques and optimization methodologies applicable to real-world domains such as logistics, forestry, and infrastructure engineering.

• PhD in Hyper-heuristics for Optimization (Edinburgh Napier University, 2014)
• MSc in Advanced Software Engineering (Edinburgh Napier University, 2010)
• BSc in Software Technology (Edinburgh Napier University, 2009)

His research explores:

• Feature-free algorithm selection models using recurrent neural networks
• Evolutionary approaches to instance-space layout optimization
• Hybrid feature construction methods for environmental risk prediction
• Ensemble hyper-heuristics for scheduling and packing problems
• Integration of large language models with evolutionary algorithms

Scientific awards include:

• Bronze Award, International Humies Competition (2018) for wind damage prediction research

Recent publications demonstrate expertise in:

• Neural algorithm selection
• LLM-evolved heuristics
• Wind damage modeling
• Instance-space visualization
• Feature engineering
• Real-time optimization

Kevin supervises research students in algorithm design and optimization, and has secured funding from the Data Lab (£19,599) and EPSRC (£238,068) for projects related to infrastructure optimization and lifelong learning systems.