Neil Olver

Neil Olver is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mathematics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), where he has held his current position since 2021. He is also affiliated with CWI in Amsterdam. His research focuses on combinatorial optimization, network design, algorithmic game theory, and probability, with applications to traffic networks and robust optimization. Olver has organized major events such as the Highlights of Algorithms conference and the Hausdorff Trimester Program on Discrete Optimization.

He completed his PhD in Applied Mathematics at McGill University (2010), preceded by an MSc (2006) and BSc (2004) from the University of Cape Town and McGill University. His academic career includes roles at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (2013–2021) and MIT (2010–2013). Olver has been awarded grants from NWO (VIDI, TOP, VENI) and the NSF, supporting research on network optimization and robust design.

His notable contributions include resolving the VPN Conjecture, advancing strongly polynomial algorithms for generalized flows, and analyzing dynamic traffic equilibria. Students advised include Dr. Dario Frascara and Dr. Madelon de Kemp. Current grants include a VIDI-funded project on 'Usable Algorithms for Network Design.'