Erkka Frankberg, Academy Research Fellow, Materials Science and Environmental Engineering, Tampere University
Tell us briefly about your research topics and international work
We have developed an inorganic glass material that does not fracture but instead deforms plastically at room temperature. We want to understand what gives the glass its newly discovered and superior properties. If we understand how the material’s characteristics arise, we can begin to manufacture it – potentially even on an industrial scale in the future.
These new malleable glass materials are stronger than steel while also being lighter. In addition, glasses possess significant optical, electrical, chemical, and biological properties. We use the latest experimental research methods and supercomputer simulations to understand how such glass forms into a solid, atom by atom.
The research is international and carried out in collaboration with several research groups. In addition to my research work, I serve as a board member and national representative of the European Ceramic Society, as well as Secretary of the Finnish Ceramic Society. I have organised several events around Europe, particularly aimed at early-career researchers.
The organisation I founded, the Young Ceramists Network, celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2026 and now has more than a thousand researchers and professionals among its members.
Based on your vast experience, what makes Tampere an especially good location for international conferences?
Based on experiences from across Europe, Tampere stands out for its centrally located and easily accessible event venues, high quality accommodation, and excellent catering services. The range of services and venues caters to events of many different types and sizes, from large arena spectacles to intimate sauna evenings.
Northern nature, lifestyle, and sauna culture are of great interest to visitors. Finland as a country is currently particularly appealing and surprisingly well known. The support provided by the City of Tampere and the university for congress organisers has been a very positive surprise.
How would you describe Tampere as a city? What makes it special?
In Tampere, nature is uniquely close at hand. In terms of technology, the city has strong traditions and world class expertise, and its identity is closely linked to the Tampere Universities community. On the one hand, Tampere is large enough to generate diverse research and business activity. On the other, it is small enough for people from companies and the university to genuinely meet, enabling meaningful collaboration.
