BioInspired! So What? Now What!

It has been a busy and successful launch of the Biomimicry Fellowships in the Integrated Bioscience Program at the University of Akron.  Two major events kicked off the program, immersing the first cohort of Biomimicry Fellows (Emily Kennedy, Daphne Fecheyr-Lippens, and Bill Hsiung) in a flurry of activity just three weeks after their arrival on campus: a visit by Janine Benyus and the launch of a significant strategic initiative for biomimicry in Ohio. 

Time passed quickly during the intensive Biomimicry Education Training Workshop developed by Biomimicry 3.8 and led Megan Schuknecht and Sam Stier.  Sixteen attendees from many geographical and professional horizons had the opportunity to share our deep passion for biomimicry and teaching through a wide range of hands-on activities.  The program was “designed for high school, college or university, and informal science teachers or lecturers who are interested in learning the fundamentals of biomimicry and integrating biomimicry teaching into new or existing courses, programs, displays, or exhibits.” 

The University of Akron (UA), Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), and The Biomimicry Institute (TBI) are launching the first and only PhD training in biomimicry available in the world.  Our vision is to bring together designers, entrepreneurs, scientists, engineers and artists to be trained in the emerging discipline of biomimicry.  By integrating across disciplines and engaging business, academic and public sector partners throughout the training, we will create innovation leaders that not only understand the technical details of biomimicry but who also have the experience and skills to bring about real change in how products and services are designed and manufactured across all sectors of the economy.

The Canadian Federation of Engineering Students organizes yearly Complementary Education courses that "offer an intimate, focused learning opportunity for engineering students to extend their education beyond the material taught at school".  The University of Toronto was chosen to host the course in 2006 on the theme "BioDesign: Breathing Life into Technology".  I was invited to do full-day workshop on biomimicry to a group of 25 engineering students from universities across Canada as well as the University of Michigan.  The students were in their first to fourth year of study and represented a wide range of disciplines including Nanotechnology, Systems Design and Biological Engineering.

Igor Barteczko joined the BID Community in November and agreed to be interviewed in early December.  His portfolio at ARCHITEORYZM demonstrates his creativity and graphic sense.  Igor is a natural biomimic who also understands the importance of human culture and engineering.  Ultimately, we need viable solutions to human problems that help re-connect us with the natural systems that support our existence.

Welcome to the second issue of 2009, containing the first set of articles on the '2009 Alumni Gathering' held in February at the San Diego Zoo, California.

Newsletter PDF: 

bioinspired-v7.2c.pdf

Welcome to the third issue of 2008, including:

Newsletter PDF: 

bioinspired_v6.3.pdf