The Education Pipeline of Biomimetics and Its Challenges

Abstract

Biomimetics must be taught to the next generation of designers in the interest of delivering solutions for current problems. Teaching biomimetics involves teachers and students from and in various disciplines at different stages of the educational system. There is no common understanding of how and what to teach in the different phases of the educational pipeline. This manuscript describes different perspectives, expectations, needs, and challenges of users from various backgrounds. It focuses on how biomimetics is taught at the various stages of education and career: from K-12 to higher education to continuing education. By constructing the biomimetics education pipeline, we find that some industry challenges are addressed and provide opportunities to transfer the lessons to application. We also identify existing gaps in the biomimetics education pipeline that could further advance industry application if a curriculum is developed.

Biomimetic Research for Applications Addressing Technical Environmental Protection

“…The interdisciplinary character of biomimetic projects leads to several challenges in practice, as indicated by projects in the context of industrial applications [ 43 , 53 , 54 , 55 ]. During the research projects presented in this paper, such challenges were limited, as the team members were familiar with interdisciplinary cooperation.…”

Biomimetics for Sustainable Developments—A Literature Overview of Trends

“…Also, the educational aspect seems to be even more important. In previous papers, we analyzed the educational pipeline of biomimetics and what is needed to foster knowledge transfer [ 33 , 34 ]. Once sustainability becomes part of biomimetics research, education and raising awareness as well as detailed explanations become more important.…”

Biomimetics in Botanical Gardens—Educational Trails and Guided Tours

“…In addition, scientists and gardeners offer guided biomimetics tours for interested visitors of all ages, using simple experiments to illustrate the relevant functional principle ( Section 5 ). The portfolio is completed by public lectures on various biomimetics topics, scientific and popular science publications, and the development of biomimetics teaching modules for kindergarten children, pupils, and high school, college, and university students via print media and the Internet [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 ].…”