Martin Freer

Professor Martin Freer is a Professor of Nuclear Structure and Reactions at the Birmingham Energy Institute, University of Birmingham. He has established himself as a leading researcher in nuclear physics with 197 research outputs and 65 projects spanning over two decades. In 2010, he helped establish the Birmingham Centre for Nuclear Education and Research to support the UK's investment in nuclear power generation. Professor Freer is actively accepting PhD students and supervising research in nuclear structure.

His research focuses on the study of light nuclei using nuclear reactions performed at international facilities worldwide. Key research themes include nuclear structure and reactions, neutrinoless double beta decay, and alpha-clustering in nuclei. His fingerprint analysis reveals significant contributions to excited states (100%), excitation energy (72%), ground state physics (65%), beam energy (60%), neutron physics (58%), and cluster structure (47%). This demonstrates his comprehensive approach to understanding fundamental nuclear phenomena.

Professor Freer's recent publications show a strong theoretical and experimental focus on nuclear structure, with particular emphasis on symmetries in collisions, triaxial deformation, shell structure, and cross-shell states in light nuclei. His work bridges fundamental nuclear physics with practical applications in energy systems, as evidenced by his thermochemical heat storage research. The consistent publication rate across decades indicates sustained scholarly productivity and evolving research interests.

He has received recognition through citations and downloads of his work, with recent publications generating significant academic interest. His 2024 paper on symmetries in collisions has garnered 68 downloads, while his work on triaxial deformation has received 25 downloads, indicating active engagement with his research by the scientific community.

Professor Freer is actively involved in mentoring PhD students in nuclear structure and supervising research projects. His current research portfolio includes major projects such as INHABIT (2025-2030), EPSRC Manufacturing Research Hub (2024-2031), Micro-breeder blanket development (2024-2030), and ZEBAI (2024-2028), reflecting his commitment to addressing energy challenges through interdisciplinary research. These projects demonstrate his ability to secure substantial research funding and collaborate across multiple institutions.

He leads the Birmingham Centre for Nuclear Education and Research, which serves as a hub for nuclear physics research and educational programs. His work connects nuclear physics with energy engineering, materials science, and sustainable technologies, positioning him at the intersection of fundamental research and practical applications in energy production.