Robert Freer

Robert Freer

Prof

Personal profile

My group

Research Group(s)

Overview

Bob Freer is Professor of Ceramics in the School of Materials. His research spans two of the research groups within the School of Materials: Ceramics and Coatings, and Nano and Functional Materials.

Bob graduated in Physics from University of Newcastle and also obtained MSc and PhD from the same institution. Following postdoctoral work at Strathclyde University and Edinburgh University and a Principal Lecturer post North Staffordshire Polytechnic he moved to Manchester in 1986. He obtained DSc from UMIST in 1998 and became Professor of Ceramics in 1998. He was elected a member of the World Academy of Ceramics in 2008 and a Fellow of the European Ceramic Society in 2017

Bob Freer’s research interests lie in microstructure-property relationships in functional ceramics, particularly thermoelectric materials for energy applications and microwave dielectric ceramics for communications applications. A common theme over a number of years has been the role and behaviour of grain boundaries and interfaces, and their impact on functional properties. Recent work on oxide composites including graphene has led to interesting phenomena and enhanced properties. Work with the EPSRC SuperSTEM has enabled investigation and understanding of the materials at the atomic scale.  The group collaborates nationally and internationally with modellers and experimentalists in a range of energy materials.

Overview

Prizes

Verulam Prize and Medal of the Institute of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining 2007

Elected Fellow of the Institute of The Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (F.I.M.M.M)

Elected Member of World Academy of Ceramics, 2008

Elected Fellow of European Ceramic Society, 2017

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy

Education/Academic qualification

Doctor of Science, UMIST

Award Date: 10 Jul 1998

Doctor of Philosophy, Physics, Newcastle University

Award Date: 12 Jul 1978

Master in Science, Geophysics, Newcastle University

Award Date: 12 Dec 1973

Bachelor of Science, Physics, Newcastle University

Award Date: 3 Jul 1972

Areas of expertise

  • Q Science (General)
  • • Energy Materials, Inorganic Materials, Nanomaterials

Research Beacons, Institutes and Platforms

  • Energy
  • Advanced materials
  • Healthier Futures

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics where Robert Freer is active. These topic labels come from the works of this person. Together they form a unique fingerprint.
  • 1 Similar Profiles

Collaborations and top research areas from the last five years

Recent external collaboration on country/territory level. Dive into details by clicking on the dots or