About

Updated: 15/04/2026

Hej, everyone! I’m Floor van Donkelaar, a computational astrophysicist studying the formation of galaxies and stellar systems in the early Universe. I am currently a Herchel Smith Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Astronomy and the Kavli Institute for Cosmology in Cambridge.

Main research interests: The formation and evolution of galactic components in disc galaxies at high redshift and the role of stellar clusters by means of (cosmological) simulations.

One of my research topics centres on compact star clusters and their role in galaxy formation at high redshift. My current focus is on clusters that form outside galactic discs in the circumgalactic medium, known as cosmic wallflowers. Using high-resolution cosmological simulations, I show that these clusters can form in galaxy outskirts and span a wide range of dynamical properties. Some resemble present-day globular clusters, while denser, faster-rotating systems are more likely to collapse into intermediate-mass black holes. This suggests two main evolutionary paths set by their initial conditions. These predictions are timely in light of recent JWST observations of compact star-forming structures at high redshift.

In parallel, I study star-forming structures just outside galaxies in simulations such as the FABLE runs (project), focusing on how feedback and environment regulate their formation and survival. I also work on the general formation of galaxies at high redshift, particularly their discs. Using simulations such as Phoebos and GigaEris, I investigate how discs assemble and under what conditions stable, kinematically cold discs can emerge. Together, my work links star clusters and galaxy evolution within a cosmological framework and connects simulations to JWST observations.

I obtained my PhD in astrophysics from the University of Zürich, where I worked with Lucio Mayer, following an MSc in astrophysics at Lund University and a BSc in social technical engineering at the University of Twente.

Outside of research, I like to stay active and spend as much time as possible outdoors, whether on a rugby pitch, on my bike, or exploring new places. I also enjoy science communication and being involved in outreach and community events.