Simon Kirby - Biography#

Simon Kirby's work is concerned with the origin and evolution of language, and the unique ways that culture and biology interact in our species. He has pioneered a new approach to understanding cultural evolution of behaviours such as language which he calls Iterated Learning. A number of research groups around the world - in addition to his own - are now studying Iterated Learning using techniques as diverse as mathematical modelling, computational simulation, and psychological experiments. His view is that a complete understanding of human nature requires an account of the complex interactions between individual learning, cultural transmission and biological evolution in human populations.

In addition, Professor Kirby pairs his scientific research with artistic output by collaborating with sculptors and musicians to create interactive installations exploring issues of communication and cultural evolution in a socially and informationally promiscuous world. One of his artworks, Cybraphon, won a Scottish BAFTA in 2009 and is now part of the permanent collection of National

Museums Scotland. He won the List Award for “outstanding contribution to Scottish Arts”, and was included in the Sync List of people “doing remarkable things in the space where technology meets arts”.

Professor Kirby co-founded and lead the world’s largest research group studying Language Evolution, recently relaunched as the Centre for Language Evolution. This includes 12 staff, 13 PhD students, 16 MSc students, and one artist in residence. He is also permanent co-chair of the EVOLANG international conference series on the evolution of language.