During the last decade our understanding of polymers and soft matter has tremendously benefited from synergistic approach combining computer simulations, theory and experiments. In this talk, I will describe several examples where this approach was instrumental.

In particular, I will show how computer simulations helped with: (i) development of a new theoretical framework for contact mechanics of micro- and nano-scale objects; (ii) understanding of nonlinear elasticity of biological and polymeric networks and gels; and (iii) discovery of mechanism for graphene exfoliation and stabilization at interface between two immiscible solvents and utilization of this phenomena for design of polymer/graphene foams.