Most of the research of Stanislav Gorb is related to structure-function relationship of biological surfaces and materials. Central research questions include:

• What are the physical principles behind biological surfaces specialized in friction and adhesion enhancement/reduction?
• What is the contribution of material structure and properties at various hierarchical levels to particular function of a biomechanical system?
• How can we transfer ideas obtained from studies on biological systems in materials science and engineering?
• How do diverse biological attachment devices evolve?