Professor involved: Prof. Gabriele Greco, Prof. Ferdinando Auricchio, Prof. Michele Conti

Course learning outcomes/abstract: The course will equip students with the skills to analyze, model, and design systems and technologies inspired by biological structures and processes, with a particular focus on sustainable innovation. The frontal lectures will introduce the fundamental principles of bio-inspired design: why we learn from nature and how to approach biological systems critically, avoiding common misconceptions. We will examine best practices, highlight frequent pitfalls, and conclude with an overview of key biological phenomena and materials that have inspired technological innovation — from sustainable forest management to the development of high-performance materials. During the interactive and practical sessions, students will apply these concepts to their own PhD research projects (preferred) or to a project assigned by the instructor. Each student will be invited to identify a specific technological or societal challenge within their research that could be addressed by drawing inspiration from a natural process or material. Alternatively, they may choose a challenge that could be solved by applying principles derived from their own research. Based on the selected problem, students will develop a concise presentation proposing an evidence-based solution to the chosen challenge. The supporting evidence may be generated through experiments, literature review, or analytical work carried out independently. For experimental activities, students may be organized into small groups as appropriate.

Goals: 1) Enable students to independently identify interdisciplinary approaches for addressing complex problems. 2) Encourage students to leverage their own skill sets to foster cross-disciplinary knowledge exchange. 3) Equip students with relevant examples illustrating how sustainable innovations can emerge from inspiration drawn from biological systems

Number of hours and planning: the course will consist of a total of 20 hours, divided into two main phases: 10 hours of frontal lectures and 10 hours of laboratory or group activities. At the end of the course, a final presentation session (exam) will serve as a “return phase,” during which students will present their projects. The date of this session will be agreed upon together with the students. During the first 10 hours of lectures, the following thematic areas will be explored (with final topics adapted to the interests and backgrounds of the enrolled students): 1. Bio-Inspired Design and its Practices: Making Innovation Sustainable 2. Mechanical Characterization of Biological Materials 3. Bio-Inspired Adhesion Phenomena 4. Bio-Inspired Structures for Vibration Attenuation and Sound Control 5. Bio-Inspired Textiles and Fibrous Materials 6. Bio-Inspired Soft Robotics 7. Bio-Inspired Mechanical Sensors and Responsive Systems 8. Structure–Function Relationships in Natural Materials 9. Bio-Inspired Hydrophobicity and Wettability 10. Bio-Inspired Biomaterials

Period:  from 16 to 20 November 2026 –  from 9.00 to 13.00

Registration: to register, please send an email to: gabriele.greco@unipv.it

Delivery mode and location ( in presence, on line, ecc): in person/online for the frontal lectures. In person for the laboratories and group activities

Language: english

Assessment: each student will develop and present a case study of their choice—either a bio-inspired prototype or conceptual design—integrating the principles learned throughout the course. Presentations will be delivered in PowerPoint format (PPT). To support this activity, students will have access to laboratory facilities and supervision, if needed. Evaluation will be based on the student’s ability to deliver a logically structured, evidence-based presentation that effectively demonstrates their understanding of bio-inspired design and the application of course concepts to their project

Credits (CFU): 4

Depliant