Edwin Flikkema

Dr Edwin Flikkema is a Lecturer in the Department of Physics at Aberystwyth University. His research focuses on theoretical chemistry and computational modeling of oxide systems, particularly silica clusters and hydroxylated structures. He employs methods like global optimization, molecular dynamics, and Monte Carlo simulations. His work includes determining optimal geometrical configurations of nanoscale silica clusters using Density Functional Theory, with recent interests in two-dimensional foams.

Education: BSc and PhD in Theoretical Physics and Polymer Simulation from the University of Groningen (Netherlands). Postdoctoral research includes Delft University of Technology (silica clusters), Cambridge University (Marie Curie Fellowship on energy landscapes with Prof. David Wales), and a brief stint at the University of Barcelona. Joined Aberystwyth as an RCUK fellow in 2008, becoming a lecturer in 2012.

Research Interests: Energy landscapes, computational materials science, nanocluster structures, hydroxylation effects, and foam modeling. His work bridges theoretical physics and applied chemistry, with contributions to understanding atomic configurations in confined systems.

Key Achievements: Over 30 peer-reviewed publications, including studies on silicate oligomer interconversion and minimal perimeter partitioning. Active in interdisciplinary collaborations, combining computational methods with visualization techniques for material behavior analysis.