Computational Tissue Biomechanics – inspired by nature

About

The course introduces and applies state-of-the-art tools in the continuum mechanical analysis of hard and soft biological tissues. Regardless of numerous scientific meetings report the latest research results, they fail to communicate the basics of tissue biomechanics. This course therefore provides attendees with a broad foundation towards the mechanical description of biological tissues, allowing to address individual scientific endeavors more effectively. The course is designed for PhD students and postdoctoral researchers with a good background in bioengineering and solid mechanics. It integrates physical principles, numerical approaches, and experimental concepts towards the characterization of biological tissues. The program’s holistic approach is unique in the analysis of biological tissues.

Faculty
David Marlevi, Karolinska Institute, Sweden
Gerard A. Ateshian, Columbia University, US
Hanna Isaksson, Lund University, Sweden
Marco Viceconti, University of Bologna, Italy
Svein Kleiven, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
T.Christian Gasser, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden
tba

Laboratory Instructors
Marta Alloisio, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Sweden

Lectures Modul I: (18 hours)
Continuum mechanics
Finite element method
Constitutive modeling

Lectures Modul II: (24 hours)
Continuum biomechanics and FEM (Gasser)
Constitutive modelling (Ateshian)
Clinical imaging modalities (Marlevi)
Bone tissue (Viceconti)
Ligament/tendon/articular cartilage (Isaksson)
Cardiovascular tissue (Gasser)
Brain (Kleiven)
tba

Ask the experts sessions (7 hours)

Hands-on laboratory (8 hours; in groups of at most 12 students)
In-vitro experimental tissue characterization including DIC measurements
Linear and non-linear FEM modelling

Social program
Boat tour through Stockholm archipelago
Guided tour through the Nobel Prize Museum
Guided tour through KTH main campus
Dinner
Pub night

Registration fees (excluding tax)
Modul I: 150€ (before May 1st, 2026) | 190€ (after May 1st, 2026)
Modul II: Lectures: 250€ (before May 1st, 2026) | 300€ (after May 1st, 2026)
Modul II: Hands-on laboratory: 180€ (before May 1st, 2026) | 230€ (after May 1st, 2026)
Dinner: 90€

Course leader

T.Christian Gasser

Target group

Modul I: Master students in engineering and bioengineering
Modul II: Master students, PhD students and post-doctoral students having a decent background in mechanical engineering and solid mechanics (or have taken Modul I)

Course aim

This course helps to develop a solid foundation towards the analysis of biological tissues including bioinspired materials. It integrates experimental tissue characterization with computational biomechanics and presents a state-of-the-art overview of possibilities and limitations of tissue biomechanics.

Fee info