Heritage Council

Heritage Council Lecture: 'Biomimicry - Emulating Nature's Genius'

Press Release: Wednesday 11th August 2010

There are very few problems nature hasn’t solved already, but what do we really know about biomimicry?

To celebrate the International Year of Biodiversity, the Heritage Council will host a lecture on Tuesday 7th September 2010 by US biomimicry expert Dr. Dayna Baumeister.

Biomimicry is an innovation method that studies nature’s best ideas and then imitates these designs and processes to solve human problems. Examples include studying a leaf to invent a better solar cell, observing how a 45 ton humpback whale jumps has revolutionized turbines and propellers, understanding how insects gather moisture in the desert has helped to combat drought and analyzing spiders’ has led to stronger, lighter and more durable fabrics.The goal is to create products, processes, and policies---new ways of living and working---that are well-adapted to life on earth over the long haul.

Dr. Dayna Baumeister is co founder of the Biomimicry Guild, the only innovation company in the world to use a deep knowledge of biological adaptations to help designers, engineers, architects, and business leaders solve design and engineering challenges sustainably. 

Speaking in advance of the inaugural Heritage Council Lecture Series, Chief Executive of the Heritage Council, Michael Starrett said, “the biomimicry discipline challenges us to think differently about nature and our relationship with it. The shift is one in which nature becomes a source of inspiration rather than something that needs to be managed or controlled. If we are to develop our economies in a more sustainable way we need to work more closely with nature and not simply consume it. 

Biomimicry takes us beyond the conservation message to look at nature as a resource and a guide for the future. It is timely that in the International Year of Biodiversity, this inaugural lecture by the Heritage Council will introduce the subject of biomimicry, demonstrating the important role and value of our natural heritage to new audiences”. 

Dr. Baumeister, who will be speaking in Ireland for the first time will describe what’s new in the field of bio-inspired design and the promise of biomimicry to solve grand challenges while conserving life’s genius. 

The Heritage Council’s inaugural Lecture ‘Biomimicry: Emulating Nature’s Genuis’ by Dr. Dayna Baumeister will take place on Tuesday 7th September at 6.45pm at  the Royal College of Surgeons, 123 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Other speakers include RTE Environment Correspondent, Paul Cunningham. Seating is limited. Booking required by 1st September at mail@heritagecouncil.ie
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Media Queries

Michelle Guinan
MKC Communications
T. 01 7038604 / 086 3846630

Isabell Smyth
Heritage Council Communications Manager
T. 087 967 6889

Note to Editor

The Heritage Council is the statutory body charged with identifying, protecting, preserving and enhancing Ireland’s national heritage. National heritage includes Monuments, Archaeological objects, Heritage objects, Architectural heritage, Flora, Fauna, Wildlife habitats, Landscapes, Seascapes, Wrecks, Geology, Heritage gardens and parks, and Inland waterways.Established under the Heritage Act 1995, and operating under the aegis of the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government, the Heritage Council provides advice to the Minister, and partners and networks with Local Authorities and a wide range of other organisations and individuals to promote Ireland’s heritage.