Industrial and biological soft materials—such as elastomers, polymers, foams, as well as muscles, ligaments, and fiber-reinforced composites—are reshaping the landscape of engineering, healthcare, and science. These adaptable materials play a crucial role in fields like medical prostheses, ergonomic design, and advanced manufacturing. Yet, the anisotropic, multiscale characteristics of these materials, along with complex multiphysics interactions driven by their microstructural orientation, make them not only challenging but incredibly rewarding to study and innovate.
This thematic school on Soft Materials offers a deep, hands-on dive into these complex systems, bringing together experimental, theoretical, and computational perspectives through dedicated focus sessions. By integrating mathematical modeling and computational methods with cutting-edge experimental techniques, participants will develop critical skills essential for the research, testing, and advancement of soft materials.
Designed for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers in disciplines such as mechanical and aerospace engineering, materials science, applied physics, and mathematics, as well as industry professionals and academic researchers, this course is an exceptional opportunity to build expertise in a rapidly advancing area of material science. Additionally, attendees can benefit from invited lectures by leading experts, providing unique insights into the latest developments and applications of soft materials.
