1.12.2023 SPM long-time member and alumnus Hao Zeng is new Associate Professor of Soft Matter Robotics at Tampere University Dr. Hao Zeng started as an Associate Professor (tenure-track) of Soft Matter Robotics at Tampere University in November 2023. His research deals with stimuli-responsive materials, soft robots and light driven micro robotics. News
29.11.2023 Check out our new article in Advanced Functional Materials on shape programming and reversible actuation of LCEs In the article we use shape memory effect for shape programming of liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) photoactuators. Supramolecular hydrogen-bond crosslinks introduced into the material enhance the mechanical properties of the LCE and endow it with the shape memory function while maintaining the ability to undergo reversible photothermal actuation under mild temperature stimulation. Publication
26.11.2023 Check out our new paper about superposition of multiple gratings on azobenzene thin films We use the potential of surface patterning on azobenzene thin films to fabricate reconfigurable diffractive optical elements (DOEs). Publication
29.9.2023 Profiling areas in focus: New soft materials reduce microplastics and animal testing The Sustainable Biomedical and Toxicological Research (SUSBIO) project aims to develop soft materials for biomedical and toxicological studies. News
21.9.2023 New paper in Science about photoswitches under confinement is out! A deep-sea fish inspired researchers to develop supramolecular light-driven machinery Publication
20.9.2023 Science meets Art in HAM Gallery, Laura Dahlberg harnessed light robots into her installation. The collaboration of visual artist Laura Dahlberg with SPM research group of Tampere University was exhibited at HAM gallery, Helsinki, 5.8 -17.9.2023 Event
15.9.2023 Check out our new paper in Angewandte Chemie about Self-Healable Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators The liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) with incorporated halogen bond crosslinks exhibit excellent self-healing properties without destroying the liquid crystalline alignment and allow for dynamic shape programming and corresponding soft robotic demonstrations. Publication
11.9.2023 3rd STORM-BOTs Symposium in Tampere!!! Smart Photonic Materials group of Tampere University (Prof. Arri Priimägi) as a partner in STORM-BOTS (Soft and Tangible Organic Responsive Materials progressing roBOTic functionS) Marie Sklodowska Curie European Training Network organised the third STORM-BOTS Symposium. Event
1.9.2023 SPM proudly congratulates Kim Kuntze with his successful PhD defense! Our new "not the type of Doctor" in SPM family! News
8.8.2023 Meet our fresh review article about liquid crystal networks in water in Advanced Materials journal The article discusses challenges LCNs face in widespread adaptation to aquatic soft robotic applications and suggests possible paths forward for their successful use in aquatic environments. Publication
23.6.2023 Congratulations Matias! Top-4 poster owner at Siegman Summer School on Laser 2023 Great achievement, congratulations! News
13.5.2023 Please check out our new paer on hydrogel-based laser improved via a host-guest complexation! Do you want to know how supramolecular guest-host complexation helps in improving the performance of hydrogel-based dye lasers? Ask Matias Paatelainen! Publication
20.4.2023 Meet our fresh paper about Incoherent-Light-Powered, Omnidirectional Self-Oscillator! Yasaman Nemati published her first paper in Advanced Intelligent Systems. Congratulations! Publication
23.2.2023 Check out our new paper on photoswitching of indigos in polymer thin films in Chemical Science Can red-light photoswitching of indigos take place in polymers alike in solution? YES! Read from the fresh Chemical Science paper or ask Kim. Publication
25.1.2023 Professor Arri Priimägi receives ERC PoC grant for a project "Light-driven surface shaping for holographic optical elements" The ERC Proof of Concept (PoC) grant will be used to realize the project aiming to harness photopatternable azobenzene thin films for AR/VR technologies. Congratulations Arri! News
