The 2011 Biomimicry Conference: Zoological Perspectives

We’ve discussed in this forum, on a number of occasions, the Biomimetic effort. As the inspiration for our reflective displays, Biomimicry is a field we’re passionate about and one we work with business, government and educational organizations to promote.  A prime example of this collaboration was our sponsorship of UC Berkeley-based seminar titled “How Would Nature Do That?” which focused on empowering a new generation of scientists to seek solutions from nature.

While Berkeley is relatively close, we’re very lucky to be located at the heart of the world’s Biomimicry hub – San Diego – where local universities, businesses and institutions are working to advance the field.

One of the most notable participants, as I’m sure you’ve seen in my previous posts, is the Zoological Society of San Diego (ZSSD), with whom we’ve worked closely to present the 2011 Biomimicry Conference. This two-day event, taking place on Thursday, April 14, and Friday, April 15, offers business leaders, innovators and anyone interested in this emerging field a chance to learn firsthand how Biomimicry can transform industries.

With all of that as context, I sat down with my friend, ATHENA Award nominee and close collaborator at the ZSSD, Paula Brock, to get her unique perspectives on Biomimicry, its applications and a sneak peek of next week’s conference. If it piques your interest, follow the links below to register!  Take it away, Paula…

Hi there.  Cheryl asked me to try, in so many words, to encapsulate my vision for what Biomimicry can achieve and the role our Biomimicry Conference event can play as a catalyst to that success. But first things first: I currently serve as the chief financial officer of the Zoological Society of San Diego, a post I’ve held since 2001. 

When I’m not overseeing the financial management of the organization, I lead a multi-organizational research and collaboration network called Biomimicry BRIDGE: Business, Research, Innovation, Design Governance and Education. The charter of the Biomimicry BRIDGE, quite simply, is to promote the field as a new paradigm for nature-inspired research, education and innovation to create a more efficient and sustainable world.

As part of the BRIDGE network, the San Diego Zoo Global intends to become a key player in the Biomimicry movement. We do this because we are the stewards of one of the world's largest collections of plants and animals. We’re collaborating with regional, national and global organizations to make San Diego the global hub for Biomimicry education, awareness, research and application. 

We think that the wide activation of Biomimetic principles will cause a fundamental shift in thinking about existing challenges to business, technology and the way we live, resulting in the restoration of habitat and enhancement of biodiversity. 

Which is why we’re so excited about this year’s Biomimicry Conference. Whether attendees are new to the idea of Biomimicry or are already incorporating the method into their work, this year’s conference aims to be instructive, informative and engaging. Attendees will learn from key leaders of Biomimicry, including:

• James Burke, award-winning science historian and host of the BBC Series “Connections”
• Robert Full, Chancellor’s Professor and CiBER Director at University of California, Berkeley
• Matt Mason, best-selling author of The Pirate’s Dilemma

We’ve also recruited companies and explored their practical case studies implementing Biomimicry solutions, including Qualcomm’s  mirasol displays, so attendees can see how this approach can transform industries, as well as participate in interactive workshops on  technology innovation and design.

Whether you work in the public, private or education sector, you’ll have plenty to learn at the Biomimicry Conference. 

Current registered attendees include representatives from NASA, IDEO, Qualcomm, Procter & Gamble, Hallmark, WD-40 Company, InterfaceFLOR, Terrapin Bright Green, US Green Building Council San Diego, Washington University, the City of San Diego, CONNECT, BIOCOM, University of California San Diego, San Diego State University, Point Loma Nazarene University and the University of San Diego.

We hope to see you there!

For more information visit:
San Diego Zoo Biomimicry | Blog