Natural sciences writer and innovation consultant Janine Benyus envisions solar
cells that mimic leaves, agriculture that models a prairie, and businesses that run
like redwood forests.
These kinds of sustainable solutions, created by emulating nature's designs and
processes, are imagined within biomimicry, which Benyus established as an
emerging discipline. Benyus will speak on "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired By
Nature" in a University Lectures presentation on Tuesday, March 3, at 4 p.m. (new
time) in Syracuse University's Hendricks Chapel. A multimedia presentation will
accompany Benyus' lecture.
The event, sponsored in cooperation with the Syracuse Center of Excellence in
Environmental and Energy Systems and the
L.C. Smith College of Engineering and
Computer Science, is free and open to the public. Reduced-rate parking will be
available in the Irving Garage. A sign language interpreter will be available.
Benyus' 1997 book "Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired By Nature" (HarperCollins)
established biomimicry as an emerging discipline. Since the book's release, she has
evolved the practice of biomimicry, consulting with sustainable business, academic
and government leaders, serving on the Eco-Dream Team at Interface Inc., and
conducting seminars on what people can learn from the genius that surrounds
them.
In 1998, Benyus co-founded the Biomimicry Guild, an education and innovation
practice of individuals and organizations dedicated to helping innovators learn from
and emulate natural models, and to create products, processes and policies that
create conditions conducive to life.
Benyus has delivered keynote addresses on biomimicry to audiences around the
globe. A graduate of Rutgers University, she has received several awards, including
the Rachel Carson Environmental Ethics Award, the Lud Browman Award for
Science Writing, the Science Writing in Society Journalism Award and the Barrows
and Heinz Distinguished Lectureship Award.
In addition to her biomimicry work, Benyus teaches interpretive writing, lectures at
the University of Montana, and works toward restoring and protecting wild lands.
Now in its eighth year, University Lectures maintains its tradition of bringing to the
SU campus some of the most influential movers and shapers from around the world.
The series is supported by the generosity of the University's trustees, alumni and
friends. The final lecture of the 2008-09 season will be delivered by renowned
oceanographer and photographer Robert Ballard, on March 24 at 7:30 p.m.
For more information, visit http://lectures.syr.edu.
