Colin L Freeman

Dr. Colin L Freeman is a Senior Lecturer in Materials Simulation at the School of Chemical, Materials and Biological Engineering at the University of Sheffield. He holds an MSci in Chemistry from University College London (2002) and a PhD in 'Simulations of Solid Solutions and Interfaces' from the University of Bristol (2005). His career has focused on atomic-scale simulations of material-molecule interfaces, particularly in biominerals and functional ceramics.

• Education: MSci Chemistry (UCL), PhD (Bristol)
• Academic Rank: Senior Lecturer (Sheffield since 2012)

Freeman's research specializes in atomic-scale computer simulations to understand material structure, properties, and nucleation through quantum and classical mechanics. His primary focus areas include:

• Biomineralisation at mineral-liquid-molecular interfaces
• Functional ceramics (dielectrics, batteries)
• Molecular binding/decay on material surfaces
• High entropy materials
• Nucleation of inorganic salts

His recent publications emphasize materials simulation techniques, spanning:

• Perovskite structure-dielectric relationships
• Calcium carbonate nucleation mechanisms
• Force field development for nitrates
• High entropy alloy elastic properties
• Extracellular DNA surface interactions
• Peptide preservation in archaeological contexts

He received the CCP5 Prize (2022) for computational materials science contributions and serves as Head of CCP5 Summer School. Freeman teaches courses in Materials Simulation and Thermodynamics, and contributes to professional services as Director of Materials Education.