2020, the year of engineering inspired by nature

Biomimicry and nature-inspired engineering

We commonly refer to biomimicry, but it can be difficult to understand, define and differentiate between bioimitation, biomimicry and bioinspiration. All these different words refer to the imitation of structures, properties, processes and interactions developed by biological entities. In fact, this principle of imitation can be extended to the whole of nature in a process called inspiration by nature. Thus, it also takes into account the non-biological processes/structures/properties implemented in nature.

More specifically, inspiration by nature corresponds to the exploitation of concepts present in nature for engineering purposes. This can be done to different degrees:

• By imitating structures;
• Through an approach inspired by structure/function, property or process relationships;
• In an approach reproducing only function, property or process without reproducing structure;
• And finally in an approach that mimics inter-individual interactions and organizations.

In all cases, the approach that consists in drawing inspiration from nature is initiated by a scientific and/or technological problem. This is identified and formalized as a problem which researchers hope to find an engineering solution for by looking for models that can constitute a factor of inspiration in nature.

Call for expressions of interest

In this framework, the INSIS wishes to encourage the emergence of new projects or partnerships concerning original and innovative concepts. The Institute is launching a Call for Expression of Interest (CEI). Proposals should summarise the general positioning and objectives of the project as well as the approach envisaged.

The call is open to already established partnerships but also allows individual applications from researchers looking for partnerships.

The Call for expressions of interest is closed