Eco-InnovationEco-Innovation Workshops
Bio-Innovators
7th April 2008
University of Reading
Reading
UK
Co-organised by: eco-i net and BIONIS
Supported by:aa CIWEM
Background
The European Commission has recently highlighted bio-based products alongside other three other green areas - sustainable construction, recycling and renewable technologies within its newly announced Lead Markets Initiative (LMI). EC aim to use various policy measure to help stimulate eco-innovation in these sectors.
In implementing bio-based innovation we have a lot to learn from the natural world. Biomimicry is a key mechanism to enable this and can be defined as the way humans mimic nature in the products we build and the systems we implement. Nature has 3.8 billion years of research and development in eco-innovation, with many problems solved that human designers and engineers still struggle with. A leading thinker on biomimicry has been Janine Benyus and the enclosed video clip highlights many fascinating, innovative examples from her work (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n77BfxnVlyc&feature=related).
The workshop will bring together a number of leading thinkers and practioners to highlight experience related to bio-based innovation and biomimetics. Bio-Innovators will build on previous events on eco-innovation, sustainable building technologies, energy harvesting, low carbon and resourceful innovators (see http://www.cfsd.org.uk/eco-i-net/index.html)
Benefits of attending:
* Leading edge presentations from innovators, practioners and entrepreneurs
* Unique forum for new ideas and concepts
* Access to new ideas and thinking
* Networking opportunities
Programme
Chairman: Martin Charter, The Centre for Sustainable Design, University for the Creative Arts
2.00 Registration
2.30 Introduction
Martin Charter, The Centre for Sustainable Design, University for the Creative Arts
Professor George Jeronimidis, Director, Centre for Biomimetics, University of Reading
2.45 Sustainable Innovation
Martin Charter, The Centre for Sustainable Design, University for the Creative Arts
3.10 The V2PIO consortium model as an Innovation Carrier in Biomimetics
Lars Uno Larsson, Founder and President, Swedish Biomimetics 3000
3.35 Biomimetic applications
Dr Alex Parfitt, Senior Scientist, BAE Systems, Advanced Technology Centre (ATC)
4.00 Networking
4.20 Biomimetic materials for tissue engineering from silk
Dr David P. Knight, Co-founder, Director and Chief Scientific Officer, Oxford Biomaterials Ltd
4.45 Biomimetic patents
Dr Richard Bonser, Lecturer in Biomimetics, Centre for Biomimetics, University of Reading
5.10 Discussion
5.30 Networking & drinks
6.30 Close
Fees
There is a £58.75 fee for attending this workshop
Venue
Gordon Lecture Theatre,
Engineering Building,
Whiteknights site,
University of Reading
Click on the link below for map and directions, The building is number 25 Grid ref E5 on the map.
Map and directions
Parking at venue
Permits are required for parking on site. Please advise
us upon registration if you require a permit and we will arrange on your behalf with the venue.
