Soft Materials Modelling
Professor Maria Sammalkorpi
Valuable lessons from nature: Professor finds inspiration in spider silk
Tenured Aalto professor Maria Sammalkorpi explains how the phenomena in nature can be used to understand and improve manufactured materials
I’ve always been interested in natural sciences and nature. The phenomena in nature can be also used to understand and improve manufactured materials. Nature's design strategies offer us valuable lessons. For instance, spider silk is incredibly strong. It illustrates how nature finds ways to adapt and survive, via for example exceptional materials. We can imitate or learn from it for materials design in industrial production.
Physics gives a solid understanding of how materials behave and provides a strong mathematical and theoretical base for advancement. My research is computer simulations and fundamental theory that enables creating materials-based applications across various fields. Doing multidisciplinary work with experts from different fields is sometimes challenging but also very rewarding, as it is required that we all bring our expertise to the table to create the materials of today and the future.
Theorists can sometimes be difficult to approach, but I encourage engaging them in discussions – also about practical applications – and seeking deep understanding. I also encourage students to go beyond superficial learning – it’s better to gain broad expertise and genuine understanding through thorough study.
More information:
Read more news
Kristian Ritvala is the Spirit of Mercury of the School of Business Ceremonial Conferment 2026
The task of the Spirit of Mercury begins with conducting the weaving of the laurels and ends at the Herring Luncheon, where he delivers a speech to the promovendi
Viron presidenttipari vieraili Aalto-yliopistossa
Viron tasavallan presidentti Alar Karis ja puolisonsa Sirje Karis sekä tasavallan presidentti Alexander Stubb ja Suzanne Innes-Stubb vierailivat Aalto-yliopistossa.
Aalto Inventors turns one: A year of bridging research and real-world impact
Aalto Inventors marks its first anniversary, having engaged 190 researchers across six cohorts in fields including AI, quantum, and biomaterials. New cohorts are planned for the next academic year, stay tuned and join the waitlist.