How can civil engineers keep up with the latest research and trends in biomimicry and nature-inspired design?

1 Join online communities

One of the best ways to learn from and connect with other civil engineers who are interested in biomimicry and nature-inspired design is to join online communities and platforms. For example, you can check out the Biomimicry Institute, a global network that promotes and supports biomimicry education, research, and innovation. You can also join the Biomimicry Education Network, a community of educators and practitioners who share resources, best practices, and case studies. Another option is to follow the Nature of Design group on LinkedIn, where you can find news, events, and discussions related to biomimicry and nature-inspired design.

2 Subscribe to newsletters and podcasts

Another way to keep up with the latest research and trends in biomimicry and nature-inspired design is to subscribe to newsletters and podcasts that cover these topics. For example, you can sign up for the Biomimicry Global Network newsletter, which delivers monthly updates on biomimicry projects, events, and opportunities around the world. You can also listen to podcasts such as Ask Nature, which features interviews with experts and innovators who use biomimicry to solve design challenges, or Bioinspired, which explores the science, design, and engineering of nature-inspired solutions.

3 Take online courses and webinars

If you want to deepen your knowledge and skills in biomimicry and nature-inspired design, you can take advantage of the online courses and webinars that are available. For example, you can enroll in the Biomimicry 3.8 Academy, which offers online courses and certificates in biomimicry for professionals, educators, and students. You can also join the Biomimicry for Social Innovation webinars, which focus on how biomimicry can address social and environmental issues. Another option is to watch the TEDx talks and YouTube videos that feature inspiring examples and insights from biomimicry and nature-inspired design practitioners.

4 Read books and journals

If you prefer to read books and journals to learn more about biomimicry and nature-inspired design, you have plenty of options to choose from. For example, you can read Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine Benyus, the founder of the Biomimicry Institute, which introduces the concept and principles of biomimicry. You can also read The Nature of Design by Maggie Macnab, which explains how to apply nature's patterns and processes to design problems. Another option is to browse the Journal of Biomimetics, Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, which publishes original research and reviews on biomimetic, biomaterial, and biomedical engineering topics.

5 Attend events and workshops

Finally, if you have the opportunity, you can attend events and workshops that are related to biomimicry and nature-inspired design. For example, you can participate in the Biomimicry Global Design Challenge, an annual competition that invites teams of students and professionals to create biomimetic solutions for specific themes. You can also attend the Biomimicry Conference, a biennial event that brings together biomimicry experts, practitioners, and enthusiasts from various sectors and disciplines. Another option is to join the Biomimicry Immersion Workshops, which offer hands-on learning experiences in natural settings.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?