30 April 2010 | General, BMBS, FPS, MPNS
Bio-inspired Materials: Learning from Mother Nature
COST welcomed 220 participants to the 3-day Strategic Workshop on Principles and Development of Bio-inspired Materials held in Vienna from 13 to 15 April 2010.
“New simulation and production methods allow for the first time to structure technical materials similar to the biological templates. However, due to the lack of communication between bio, engineering and material scientists, we are currently not able to benefit from their full potential,” said Prof. Stefanie Tschegg, Chair of the Workshop. “In Vienna, we brought together more than 200 experts and young researchers from natural sciences, medicine and industry to overcome this gap."
From 13 to 15 April 2010, invited speakers and poster presenters showed how to apply biological methods and systems found in nature to the design of innovative materials. Learning from and inspired by nature’s vast sources - including spider silk, peacock trays, raspberries, sea cucumbers and honey combs - this workshop provided the ideal platform for scientific exchange and networking amongst the participants from Europe, North America, Asia, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.
Seven chair persons of running COST Actions, together with representatives from the three COST reciprocal agreement countries promoted multidisciplinary cooperation within the COST network. In particular, they encouraged young researchers to join and provided more information about instruments such as STSMs and training schools.
