Sandy Brownlee

Dr Sandy Brownlee is a Senior Lecturer in Computing Science and Mathematics at the University of Stirling, affiliated with the School of Natural Sciences. He leads the Data Science and Intelligent Systems research group and co-leads the AI Theme for SICSA. He is also a Visiting Fellow in Civil and Building Engineering at Loughborough University. His work focuses on explainable optimization techniques, metaheuristics (including evolutionary algorithms and estimation of distribution algorithms), fitness modeling, constraint handling, and decision support systems. Applications span civil engineering, healthcare, software engineering, and art.

Education: BSc (Hons) in Computer Science (2005) and PhD in Multivariate Markov Networks for Fitness Modelling (2009), both from Robert Gordon University. Post-PhD roles included research at Loughborough University and industry experience in energy sector software engineering before joining Stirling in 2013.

Research interests emphasize bridging optimization theory and real-world applications, with a focus on algorithm transparency and value-added insights. He has over 100 publications, including work on surrogate models, genetic improvement (GI), and XAI in evolutionary computation. Current roles include MSc program director for Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.

His Erdos-Bacon number (8) reflects interdisciplinary reach, combining academic collaboration (3) with minor media appearances (5). He actively contributes to conferences, workshops, and public lectures on AI and optimization.