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University Public Lecture – can the natural world inspire invention? – University of Reading

The third talk in the 2008/2009 University Public lecture Series will see Dr Richard Bonser present Biomimetics:Using nature's secrets in design, on Tuesday 25 November.

Large audiences in the previous two lectures have been entertained and enthralled and this talk promises to deliver more of the same.

Biomimetics is a young branch of science that seeks to develop new technologies by mimicking materials and mechanisms found in plants and animals. One example of this is the hook-loop fastener known as Velcro that was invented in 1941 by Swiss engineer, George de Mestral when returning from a hunting trip with his dog in the Alps.

He took a close look at the burrs (seeds) of burdock that kept sticking to his clothes and his dog's fur. He examined them under a microscope, and noted their hundreds of 'hooks' that caught on anything with a loop, such as clothing, animal fur, or hair and saw the possibility of binding two materials reversibly in a simple fashion.

Dr Bonser, from the Centre for Biomimetics, said: "Because nature tends to be thrifty in its use of energy, there is a real potential for biologically inspired products and processes to be cleaner and greener than some existing technologies.

"Biomimetics is impacting on a wide range of industries, including textiles, construction and aerospace. The University of Reading has been at the forefront of biomimetics since the creation of the Centre for Biomimetics during 1992. The ethos of the Centre was to bring biologists and engineers together, under one roof. In this lecture, the advantages of the approach will be discussed and an overview given of exciting new commercialised technologies derived from natural systems."

"As one of the major providers of education in the Thames Valley, we are very keen to hold these kinds of public lectures," said Carol Derham, organiser of the Public Lecture Series. "The lectures are given by researchers eminent in their field and in a manner that is easily understood by all. They offer a unique opportunity to learn about the cutting-edge research, teaching and people that make the University a world-class institute. The lectures are always incredibly popular with all sorts of different people, and always lead to some lively debate afterwards."

All of the University Public Lectures start at 8pm and will be held in the Palmer Building on the University's Whiteknights campus. Lectures are free to attend and no ticket is required.

For further information, please contact Carol Derham in the University's Communications Office on 0118 378 8004 or email c.a.derham@reading.ac.uk

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