As a farewell to Lucas’s all-too-short visit, the FAST group headed out yet again to the punts — but this time, to race up and down the River Cam...
Welcome to the FAST group!

We are a group of computational scientists fascinated by the study of challenging materials, mostly involving water, which are achievable only by extending the frontiers of atomistic simulation techniques.
In recent times, we primarily focus on developing machine learning potentials in order to provide insight into complex aqueous systems, for which accurate and efficient representations of potential energy surfaces are urgently needed.
Our research portfolio comprises the following techniques:
- Machine Learning Potentials, Neural Network Potentials, Active Learning
- Ab Initio Molecular Dynamics, Density Functional Theory
- Nuclear Quantum Effects, Path Integral Molecular Dynamics and Monte Carlo, Bosonic Exchange
- Reaching Coupled Cluster Accuracy
Find out more about our research under Research!
The FAST group is associated with both the Theory of Condensed Matter group, as well as the Lennard-Jones Centre.
FAST group 2026 update
A warm welcome to our newest batch of PhD students: Willem Farmilo and Joe Hart, who both joined in October 2025, and Thenmozhi Elango (part-time PhD), who was transferred...
Dr. Niamh O’Neill, PhD
Niamh O’Neill undertook her viva today, and passed with minor corrections — many congratulations to Dr. O’Neill! During her tenure with the FAST group, Niamh’s research focused on studying...
Congrats to Dr. Sam
Sam G.H. Brookes undertook his viva today morning, and passed with minor corrections — many congratulations to Dr. Brookes! Sam represents the first ever PhD student to graduate from...