Those interested to find out how emerging and anticipated developments in fields including biodesign, biomaterials, biofabrication, biocomputing, and biomimetics may shape the future may like to join Bioratorium®'s BIOfutures IG Instagram Live sessions. Featuring a line-up of seminal researchers and practitioners from around the world, several sessions are taking place across March, April, and May of which the first two events are listed below. Streaming through @melissasterry, the sessions are drop-in and require no RSVP to attend. Follow @bioratorium for updates on forthcoming sessions. 

29th March 2022 at 18:00 BST ::
In discussion with Audrey Rangel Aguirre, interdisciplinary artist, hosted by Dr. Melissa Sterry

Centred on biofutures in art, this session will explore how emerging and anticipated developments in biomaterials, biofabrication, biocomputing, and more may shape the future of the visual arts. Audrey Rangel Aguirre is an interdisciplinary artist currently in collaborations with astrobiologist Marta Filipa Simões at State Key Laboratory of Lunar and Planetary Sciences, Macau University of Science & Technology, and with Claudio Avignone, Professor of Systems Microbiology at the University of Surrey. U.K. ​

5th April 2022 at 18:00 BST ::
In discussion with Nancy Diniz, cofounder, bioMATTERS, hosted by Dr. Melissa Sterry

Centred on biofutures in design, this session will explore how emerging and anticipated developments in biomaterials, biofabrication, and biocomputing may shape the future of product, furniture, and interior design. We’ll discuss issues including how we may re-think design practices to be in balance with the evolving ecological world, and how we create more opportunities for inter- disciplinary collaboration and knowledge sharing. Nancy Diniz is an architect and Co-Founder of bioMATTERS. Parallel to her practice, she has published her work widely and is Course Leader of the Masters in Biodesign at Central Saint Martins, UAL, London. 

A guest professor with Professors Without Borders, which works to enable equality and opportunity in academia and learning worldwide, in celebration of International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2022, I shared some thoughts on issues impacting women and girls in STEM. Read the Q&A here.

For those that wanted to join our BIOfutures Instagram IG session yesterday, but couldn’t, sharing the link to the footage of our session, here. Hosted by Aterre Society, the session featured Prof. Dr. Claudia Pasquero - professor for Landscape Architecture at the Synthetic Landscape Lab and Head of Institute at IOUD, Maria Kuptsova - research associate and doctoral student at the lab, and I discussing issues of biodesign, biomaterials, biocomputing, biomimetics, and more, you can watch the session here.

The first in a series of BIOfutures talks I’ll be hosting with seminal figures from across the bio-fields, follow @melissasterry on Instagram for updates on the forthcoming sessions.

In the latest edition of The BioChemist journal, former British science minister, STEM expert and champion, Ian Taylor of PlanIT Ventures shares his thoughts on critical policy, budget, and other changes needed to help Britain's science industries thrive. Read his article, which includes thoughts from peers in the scientific field including Sir Paul Nurse and myself here.

Looking forward to joining peers inc. Prof. Claudia Pasquero, Dr. Marco Poletto, Prof. Rachel Armstrong, Terezia Greskova and Korbinian Enzinger for the final jury session of Synthetic Landscape Lab courses exploring ecological intelligence through the fusion of processes and systems human, animal, microbiological, technological and digital. Tune into the lab's YouTube channel to join the live streamed sessions. 

​Watch footage of the session here.

Save the Date: Join Prof. Dr. Claudia Pasquero - professor for Landscape Architecture at the Synthetic Landscape Lab and Head of Institute at IOUD, Maria Kuptsova - research associate and doctoral student at the lab, and I as we explore Biofutures on Instagram Live at 17:30 BST on 09 / 02 / 2022. The first in a series of sessions with leaders from fields including biodesign, biomaterials, biocomputing, biomimetics, and more, this first session will centre on futures at the interface of human and non-human environments. Hosted by Aterre Society, the session is drop-in and no RSVP is required. Follow @melissasterry on Instagram for updates on the sessions.  

Earlier this week I had the pleasure to join founder of creative agency Aurora, Dawn Paine in conversation for the Creativity Reframed podcast series. Exploring how the creative industries are evolving and why, the series is available on both YouTube and Spotify. Hear our conversation below...

Earlier this month I gave an interview to Credo Research in which I discussed issues including how the pandemic has and likely will shape the world of work and society at large, extracts from which will feature in a forthcoming report. One of several in a series which also features Deputy Director of Innovate UK, Dr. Mike Pitts, former director of Marks and Spencer's Plan A and pioneer of sustainable business, Mike Barry, author of FutureGen: Lessons from a Small Country, Jane Davidson, and Marketing Director of Interface (EAAA), Karen Lambert, you can read the interview here and the series here.

Earlier this year I joined the University of Greenwich to give an online lecture and surgery for their 'Alumni Showcase' series, which brings students past and present together to share ideas, advice, and experiences. Titled '​STEAM-ED Surgery: Starting Out and Up Across Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Enterprise and Design', the lecture and surgery focused on addressing career challenges that are typically experienced by those working at the edge of innovation-led disciplines. 

Watch the lecture here.