Simon Clarke

Simon Clarke is a Professor of Chemistry at the University of Oxford and Tutorial Fellow at Exeter College, leading a research group focused on discovering novel solid-state materials for technological applications in superconductivity, magnetism, and energy storage.

His academic journey includes undergraduate studies at St John's College, Oxford; graduate research under Andrew Harrison and Matt Rosseinsky; and a Royal Society/NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship at Cornell University with Frank DiSalvo.

Clarke's research centers on non-oxide and multi-anion compounds, particularly iron-based superconductors (e.g., iron selenides with T_c up to 45 K) and layered transition metal oxide chalcogenides. His group employs advanced synthesis and characterization techniques including in-situ X-ray/neutron diffraction, magnetometry, and transport measurements to correlate crystal structure with physical properties.

Analysis of his publications reveals consistent focus on manipulating crystal chemistry to control superconducting and magnetic properties, with increasing emphasis on energy materials and real-time reaction monitoring at facilities like Diamond Light Source.

His scientific recognition includes:

• Royal Society/NATO Postdoctoral Fellowship
• Lloyd’s of London Tercentenary Foundation Fellowship
• Junior Research Fellowship at St Hugh’s College
• Gibson-Fawcett Award (Royal Society of Chemistry, 2010)

Clarke mentors a 10-member research team of postdocs, graduate students, and MChem undergraduates. His work receives funding from EPSRC and the Faraday Institution, supporting collaborations with Oxford Physics, Cambridge University, and international partners in Japan, France, Belgium, and China. Key infrastructure includes Diamond Light Source and ISIS neutron facility.

The Clarke group maintains strong industry ties through the Centre for Applied Superconductivity and focuses on translating fundamental discoveries into battery electrode materials and next-generation superconductors.