Gecko sticking to glass. Photo by Gus Chan, The Plain Dealer

A recent article on Cleveland.com shows how one of our Biomimicry Affiliate institutions, the University of Akron (UA), is taking biomimicry beyond teaching a few courses, all the way to producing a product. According to the article, “Drawing on its deep experience manipulating polymers — the natural and manmade molecules that make up much of what we encounter in everyday life — UA is becoming a hub of bio-inspiration research. Its scientists are working on harnessing the strength of spider silk, deciphering the iridescent sheen of bird feathers and understanding the ingenious self-assembly of bones and sea shells.” There’s also a UA spin-off company to create “gecko tape”, an adhesive based on how geckos stick to surfaces, even upside down.

UA is now committing $4 million during the next couple of years on biomimicry research and innovation. The money will be used to establish a biomimicry research center, hire additional faculty and staff, and attract more biomimicry research funding. UA recently started a biomimicry fellow track within its Integrated Bioscience doctorate program.  The goal is to incorporate biomimicry by cross-training scientists in biology and disciplines such as materials science, physics, computers, and engineering. UA partners with the Cleveland Institute of Art (also a Biomimicry Affiliate) to bring design thinking into the process.

You can learn more about their interdisciplinary approach in this 4-min radio interview with CIA’s Doug Paige and Biomimicry 3.8’s Janine Benyus.