Uniting Strength: International Experts and MaP Doctoral Students Gather for the 4th MaP Material Strength & Durability Symposium
On 22 May 2025, the MaP Doctoral School hosted the Material Strength & Durability Symposium at ETH Zürich’s Hönggerberg campus. Held in the Siemens Auditorium, the event brought together around 50 participants for a full day of cutting-edge research and discussion on how materials perform under stress and how they ultimately fail.
The symposium opened with a talk by Prof. Erica Lilleodden (Fraunhofer Institute for Microstructure of Materials and Systems IMWS), who explored strength at the nanoscale, revealing how micro-mechanical testing helps uncover the hidden processes that govern deformation and fracture in small volumes.
Prof. Francesco Maresca (University of Groningen) followed with a talk on multi-scale fracture modelling, connecting atomic-level interactions with discrete dislocation mechanics and offering new insights into predictive materials design.
In the afternoon, Prof. Nick Birbilis (Deakin University) introduced the growing role of artificial intelligence in materials durability. His presentation showed how data-driven methods are accelerating the discovery of corrosion-resistant materials and reshaping the way we understand degradation.
Prof. Costantino Creton (ESPCI Paris - PSL) presented his group’s work on fluorescent, force-sensitive probes that visualise internal damage in elastomers in real time. This innovative approach provides a unique look into damage development and fatigue.
To close the speaker programme, Prof. Shelby Hutchens (University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) used cutting experiments as a lens to understand how soft solids fail. Her talk combined elegant experimentation with sharp mechanics, offering new ways to study material behaviour under extreme conditions.
A pitch session featuring doctoral students from the MaP community followed, where each presenter had just a few minutes to make their research accessible and compelling. The audience cast their votes, and Muriel Scherer (D-MATL) was awarded a box of chocolates for the most engaging pitch of the afternoon.
After a grey and rainy start to the day, the sun came out just in time for a well-earned dinner at Restaurant Bellavista. The evening brought together the speakers, hosts, and track doctoral students for relaxed conversations, new connections, and some stunning views.
Many thanks to all participants, speakers, and organisers who contributed to this inspiring event. Special appreciation goes to our co-hosts, Prof. Laura De Lorenzis (D-MAVT) and Prof. David S. Kammer (D-BAUG), for their efforts in making the symposium a success.
Programme: Download download (PDF, 158 KB)
Next edition: Thursday, 21 May 2026, 08.30 -17.45, ETH Zentrum, Alumni Pavillon (MM C 78.1)