Dr Yasemin Nielsen has extensive academic and industry experience and is actively engaged in postgraduate education and research. She joined Heriot-Watt University in 2007 and moved into industry in 2008 to take up a senior role with a leading developer as Sustainability Manager for prestigious projects in the region. After a period in both industry and academia, she rejoined Heriot-Watt University in 2015.

Dr Nielsen is a strong advocate for industry-academia collaboration and has consistently promoted applied, industry-focused research. She has collaborated with universities in the US, UK and Turkey, as well as with public and private organisations on funded research projects. Her work includes leading international research initiatives and organising and chairing international conferences. She is also an active keynote speaker, guest speaker, panellist and judge at prestigious events and awards.

During her time at Heriot-Watt University, she has successfully supervised 14 PhD and EngD researchers to completion as primary supervisor, and a further 9 as second supervisor. Dr Nielsen played a pivotal role in leading the development, approval and successful launch of the Engineering Doctorate (EngD) in Construction programme across the Dubai and Edinburgh campuses. Since its launch in 2020, the programme has become an important platform for industry-engaged research in the region. The first cohort began with 10 researchers, of whom 8 have successfully completed their studies. The programme has strengthened cross-campus collaboration, supported interdisciplinary research, and attracted industry funding while creating professional and career development opportunities for industry practitioners.

Her research outputs include +60 publications in peer-reviewed journals, book chapters and conference proceedings.

Sustainability and sustainable development in the built environment, Innovation and smart technologies in construction, Circular economy in construction, Digital transformation, AI and machine learning applications in AEC, Applied research and industry-academia collaboration, Climate-responsive design, resilience and energy-efficient buildings.